Story 

AMON    and 
YTHIA 


ALBERT  PAYSON  TERHUNE 


THE  STORY  OF 
DAMON   AND  PYTHIAS 


THE  INCIDENTAL  Music  FOR  THE 
PRODUCTION  OF  DAMON  AND 
PYTHIAS  WAS  WRITTEN  BY  PRO- 
FESSOR M.  WINKLER  AND  is 
PUBLISHED  AND  SOLD  BY  THE 
CARL  FISHER  Music  HOUSE, 
COOPER  SQUARE,  NEW  YORK. 


O  Unrvtrsal  Ftlm  Manufacturing  Co, 

THE   CHARACTERS    OF    DAMON   AND    PYTHIAS,    AS    PRODUCED    BY   THE 
UNIVERSAL    FILM    MANUFACTURING    COMPANY. 


THE  STORY  OF 

iattuw 


BY 


ALBERT  PAYSON  TERHUNE 


ADAPTED  AND  ILLUSTRATED  FROM  THE  PHOTO-PLAY 

CONCEIVED  AND  PRODUCED  BY  THE  UNIVERSAL 

FILM  MANUFACTURING  COMPANY 


* 'Greater  love  hath  no  man  than  this,  that 
a  man  lay  down  his  life  for  his  friend. 

JOHN  11:  53. 


N  EW    YORK 

GROSSET  AND  DUNLAP 

PUBLISH  ERS 


Copyright,  1915  by 
GROSSET  &  DUNLAP 

AND 

THE  UNIVERSAL  FILM  MANUFACTURING  COMPANY 


FOREWORD 

The  pages  of  history  and  the  traditions  of  the 
"  long  ago  "  furnished  no  scene  that  should  count  for 
more  in  man's  relation  with  his  fellows,  as  day  by 
day  he  lives  his  life,  than  the  one  laid  in  Sicily  and 
furnished  by  DAMON  and  PYTHIAS. 

Its  elaboration  in  the  play  of  that  name  by  John 
Banim  found  a  welcome  in  the  public  heart,  and  later 
the  friendship  of  these  two  was  made  the  basis  for 
a  society,  established  in  the  City  of  Washington, 
February  19,  1864. 

This  society  has  developed  into  one  of  the  great 
Fraternities,  with  membership  rapidly  nearing  eight 
hundred  thousand  splendid  men,  known  as  the  "  Or- 
der of  Knights  of  Pythias."  That  Sicilian  scene  is 
so  human,  so  filled  with  lessons  that  mean  for  mu- 
tual, community  and  universal  good,  that  the  de- 
votees of  that  great  Order  gladly  encouraged  every 
effort  to  disseminate  the  lessons  to  be  found  therein. 

It  teaches  and  will  develop  the  spirit  of  fraternal- 
ism —  a  spirit  that  should  have  a  place  in  the  heart 
and  life  of  every  well-meaning  individual. 

As  an  entirely  and  distinctive  business  enterprise, 
wholly  separate  and  apart  from  the  Order  referred 
to,  The  Universal  Films  Company  has  reproduced 


912964 


FOREWORD 

the  wondrous  grouping  of  the  scenes  that  faithfully 
represent  many  incidents  in  the  lives  of  these,  our 
prototypes,  and  to  aid  in  the  better  understanding 
and  appreciation  thereof.  This  publication,  the 
first  presentation  in  book  form  of  the  lives  of  these 
men,  by  Albert  Payson  Terhune,  with  its  human  side, 
its  realistic  settings,  its  poetry,  its  tenderness,  its 
strength  in  characterization,  and  touching  pathos 
will  illumine  the  subject  and  hold  the  thought,  and 
from  it  all  life  will  be  enriched  and  humanity  bene- 
fited by  the  films  and  by  the  publication  of  the  story  of 
DAMON  and  PYTHIAS. 


A&  fou 


LIMA,  Ohio,  December  12,  1914. 


CONTENTS 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

I    THE  FRIENDS i 

II    IN  THE  CITY n 

III  PYTHIAS'  BETROTHAL       .     ....    -, 23 

IV  HE  WHO  COVETS       V 36 

V    OUT  OF  THE  WAY      .     .     . 50 

VI    THE  VISIONS    .     .     .     .     ,     .'  ',. 67 

VII    THE  VICTOR'S  RETURN     . 85 

VIII    THE  PLAN  is  DIVULGED 100 

IX  IN  THE  DEAD  OF  NIGHT      .     .     ....     .     .     .114 

X    THE  PLOT  FRUSTRATED 132 

XI    THE  RACE   .    V  .     .     /   , 142 

XII    THE  WEDDING  HOUR  .     ,     .; 168 

XIII  A  FRIEND'S  STRONG  ARM 179 

XIV  FROM  GLADNESS  INTO  GLOOM 188 

XV    A  FREEMAN'S  LEGACY 196 

XVI    A  LIFE  FOR  A  LIFE! 205 

XVII    LOST! .212 

XVIII  THE  Vow     ./..-.    V,     ..     .     .     .     .  217 

XIX  THE  UNKNOWN     .     .7    ,  '.  «     .     .     .     .     .     .     .  221 

XX    THE  PRISONER  .     .     .     ,     ... 231 

XXI    TEMPTATION 239 

XXII    "CAUTION!" .    .y. 247 

XXIII  HUSBAND  AND  WIFE       . 253 

XXIV  DAMON'S  RIDE       .     .     . 263 

XXV    FOR  FRIENDSHIP! 274 

XXVI    THE   HEADSMAN 279 

XXVII    SUNSET 284 

XXVIII    FRIENDSHIP'S  ALTAR 296 


THE  STORY  OF 
DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

CHAPTER  I 

THE   FRIENDS 

THE  late  afternoon  sun  bathed  the  Sicilian 
hillside  in  soft  rays.  It  tinged  with  shell- 
pink  a  villa  of  glistening  white  marble,  mid- 
way of  the  verdant  slope.  Through  the  foliage,  pur- 
ple-patched with  grapes,  that  covered  the  pergola 
of  the  garden,  a  single  beam  slanted  down  upon  the 
figure  of  a  man  who  sat  beside  a  playing  fountain. 

From  the  white  toga  he  wore,  with  its  broad  badge 
of  purple  upon  the  breast,  his  rank  as  a  senator  of 
Syracuse  in  the  year  480  B.  C.  was  proclaimed. 

A  woman  and  child  —  his  wife  and  little  son  —  sat 
near  him;  but  of  their  presence  he  seemed  oblivious. 
One  hand  shading  his  eyes,  he  was  lost  in  a  reverie. 
Now  and  again  his  other  hand  clenched  upon  his 
knee,  as  though  at  some  thought  which  he  found  dis- 
pleasing. 

But  if  he  paid  no  heed  to  the  two  who  shared  his 
occupancy  of  that  Eden-spot,  the  eyes  of  the  woman, 
at  least,  turned  often  upon  her  lord's  averted  head. 


2  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

She  mafktfd  his  locked  jaw,  the  restless  opening 
and  shutting  of  bis  hand;  signs  of  a  bitter  mental 
struggle  going  on  within  hirr  ;  and  her  experience  and 
love  enabled  her  to  read  these  as  a  frown  of  tender 
concern  deepened  between  her  brows. 

At  last,  with  a  murmured  word  to  the  child,  she 
rose  and  crossed  to  where  the  Senator  sat. 

"  Damon,  what  is  it?  "  she  asked  softly. 

At  the  light  touch  on  his  shoulder,  the  man  roused 
from  his  meditation  with  a  guilty  start. 

"  Hermion,  I  —  I  crave  your  pardon!  "  he  stam- 
mered, quickly. 

Looking  up  into  the  dark,  lovely  face  that  bent 
so  solicitously  over  him,  he  laid  his  hand  on  hers. 

u  For  a  moment  my  thoughts  were  wool-gather- 
ing," he  explained,  lamely. 

4  What  is  it?  "  she  repeated  in  the  same  anxious 
tone,  not  deceived  by  his  pretense  at  lightness. 
"  You  are  troubled  with  something — >can  you  not 
confide  in  me?  " 

"  It  is  nothing,"  he  reassured  her,  with  a  forced 
smile.  "  Sit  here  beside  me.  Nothing  is  wholly  bad 
in  life,  with  you  to  share  it." 

Instead,  she  sank  on  the  turf  at  his  knee. 
*  You  are  my  husband,"  she  said  simply;  "  and 
I  have  tried  to  be  a  dutiful  and  obedient  wife;  but 
if  I  have  failed,  you  shall  tell  me  wherein  my  fault 
has  lain.  Have  I  broken  the  laws  laid  down  for 
womankind  ?  Have  I  touched  wine  ?  Have  I  been 


THE  FRIENDS  3 

meddlesome  in  the  affairs  of  others?  Have  I  ever 
spoken  before  men,  save  in  your  presence  and  at  your 
wish?  These  things  I  know  I  have  not  done.  But 
perhaps  in  some  other  way  I  have  displeased  you  — " 

He  checked  her  with  a  grave  headshake. 

"  You  are  a  wife  without  a  fault,"  he  declared,  his 
deep,  sad  voice  softening  into  a  gentleness  that  ac- 
corded oddly  with  his  stern  face. 

"  Then  is  it  your  child's  health  that  disturbs  your 
peace  of  mind  —  but  no,  that  cannot  be."  A  tear 
trembled  on  the  long  lower  lashes  of  her  violet  eyes. 
"  It  is  six  weeks  since  you  ordered  me  to  bring  him 
here,  away  from  the  heat  and  dust  of  the  city,  which 
you  thought  were  causing  him  to  grow  pale.  And 
now  he  is  the  very  picture  of  sturdy,  blooming  health, 
as  you  yourself  must  see  — .  It  is  as  I  feared  —  the 
root  of  your  melancholy  brooding.  However  once 
it  may  have  been,  time  and  that  familiarity,  which  we 
are  told  brings  indifference  to  a  long-held  treasure, 
have  worked  their  change  upon  your  heart;  and  now 
• —  you  do  not  love  me." 

He  took  her  dusky  head,  bound  with  its  coral-hued 
fillet,  between  his  hands.  "  Not  love  you !  "  With 
a  low  cry,  he  folded  her  head  to  his  breast  in  a  rush 
of  passion. 

"  If  I  could  find  words  to  tell  you  of  my  love!  " 
he  breathed,  looking  off  over  his  clenched  arms  as 
though  to  ward  away  some  unseen  thing  that  threat- 
ened to  snatch  from  them  the  treasure  they  held. 


4  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

44  But  they  would  be  but  words.  And  so  useless  to 
make  you  understand !  You  are  my  life  —  all  that 
makes  it  worth  the  living,  is  bound  up  in  you  and  in 
that  fair  child,  yonder,  which  you  have  given  me." 

With  a  sigh  of  content,  her  doubts  on  this  point 
set  at  rest  by  the  vibrant  sincerity  in  his  voice,  Her- 
mion  raised  her  lips  to  his. 

44  But  now  I  have  distressed  you,"  he  reproached 
himself  after  a  pause,  rising  to  pace  restlessly  to  and 
fro.  44  Wretched  actor  that  I  am,  not  to  have  been 
better  able  to  conceal  my  feelings !  " 

44  You  could  not  hide  your  moodiness  from  me, 
"Damon,"  she  told  him  with  a  sad  little  smile;  "  even 
if  this  were  the  first  time  you  had  shown  it.  I  have 
noticed,  of  late,  how  abstracted  you  have  become. 
Every  time  you  have  come  out  here  to  visit  little 
Xextus  and  me,  I  have  seen  your  eyes  turn  back  to  the 
city,  while  your  features  grew  hard.  It  —  it  was 
that  made  me  think  some  fairer  face  than  mine  per- 
chance having  attracted  you, —  that  your  heart  was 
there.'9 

He  halted,  to  gaze  through  the  vista  between  two 
columns  of  the  peristyle  in  which  he  stood,  upon  the 
white  house-tops  of  the  town  that  lay  touched  with 
mother-of-pearl  by  the  sunset  glow  in  the  valley  be- 
neath. 

44  Ay,  my  heart  is  there,"  he  said,  musingly. 
44  Not  in  the  keeping  of  any  one  of  that  city's  thou- 
sands, but  in  the  city  itself."  He  sighed,  wearily. 


THE  FRIENDS  5 

"  And  oh,  Syracuse,  city  of  my  birth,  how  you  wring 
that  heart  of  mine  at  times !  " 

She  watched  him;  and  of  a  sudden  buried  her  face 
in  her  hands. 

"  Oh,  what  suffering  I  am  forced  to  undergo,"  she 
moaned,  "  by  the  fate  that  makes  me  a  statesman's 
wife!  And  there  are  those  down  there,  I  suppose, 
who  envy  me !  If  they  but  knew  what  I  endure,  not 
the  lowliest  of  them  but  would  pity  me,  instead. 
Harassed,  daily,  hourly,  by  what  apprehensions, 
dreads!  Oh,  Damon,  Damon!"  she  broke  off, 
catching  at  his  robe  and  drawing  him  to  her.  "  I 
am  afraid!  " 

He  seated  himself  beside  her,  taking  her  again  in 
his  sheltering  embrace.  "  Afraid  —  of  what?"  he 
questioned  gently,  as  to  a  dark-affrighted  child. 

She  shook  her  head  impatiently.  "  How  can  I 
put  all  the  fears,  the  terrors  that  assail  me,  into  one 
word?  I  am  afraid  —  that  is  all.  Of  something, 
I  know  not  what;  but,"  and  she  laid  a  hand  upon 
the  garment  that  fluttered  above  her  heart,  "  some- 
thing I  feel,  here,  is  menacing  our  happiness." 

"  No,  no !  "  he  soothed.  "  Nothing  will  harm 
you,  or  me  —  please  the  gods !  " 

Glancing  up,  she  surprised  the  stern  lines  in  which 
his  face  was  chiseled  as  he  still  sat  looking  down, 
above  her  head,  at  the  distant  town. 

She  turned  hot  eyes  upon  sun-kissed  Syracuse. 
"  Oh,  I  hate  that  city!  "  she  exclaimed,  fiercely. 


6  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

44  And  I,  too,  hate  it,"  he  responded,  between  his 
set  lips  " —  sometimes.  For  the  crass  indifference 
of  its  masses,  as  well  as  for  the  corruption  and  dis- 
honor of  its  ruling  classes,  that  each  day  is  bringing 
it  nearer  its  ruin,  and,"  his  voice  dropping,  "  that 
of  any  honest  man,  as  inevitably,  who  tries  to  stay 
the  disaster." 

"  That  was  what  you  brooded  upon?  "  she  asked, 
half- fearfully,  as  she  nestled  closer.  "  You  fear  an 
impending  danger,  too?" 

44  No,  no!  "  he  repeated  his  reassurance.  "  Noth- 
ing threatens  us." 

He  added  to  himself  the  grim  word  "  Yet!  " 

44  Then  of  what  were  you  thinking  just  now?  "  she 
persisted.  "  Perhaps  it  was  of  Pythias,  your 
friend—?" 

He  shook  off  liis  air  of  somber  gravity,  and  glanced 
toward  the  sundial. 

44  True,"  he  answered;  "  for  on  Pythias  my 
thoughts  did  turn.  It  is  strange  that  he  is  not  yet 
come,  when  it  is  already  past  the  hour  he  set  for  his 
visit." 

His  eyes  swept  the  garden.  The  child,  playing 
among  its  fluted  columns,  was  the  only  living  thing 
in  it  that  met  his  gaze. 

44  Shall  I  send  Xextus  to  look  for  him?"  ques- 
tioned Hermion.  4'  He  loves  Pythias;  and  the  eyes 
of  Love,  they  say,  are  keen.  From  the  knoll  that 


THE  FRIENDS  7 

tops  the  slope  behind  us,  perhaps  he  might  spy  him  on 
the  road  winding  up  from  the  city  — " 

But  before  the  order  could  be  given,  the  garden 
rang  with  a  glad  treble  shout.  In  a  scamper  of  short 
tunic-skirts  and  sandaled  feet,  the  lad,  halting  in  his 
play,  had  run  straight  as  a  dart  toward  the  doorway 
of  the  tablinum  of  the  villa  that  gave  into  the  gar- 
den, wherein  stood  the  stalwart,  armored  figure  of  a 
man. 

"  Pythias!  "  cried  the  boy;  and  found  breath  to 
utter  no  more;  as  he  swung  aloft  to  the  shoulder  of 
the  laughing  giant  who  caught  his  joyous  onslaught, 
and  thus  repelled  it,  in  his  strong  arms. 

"  Ho,  now,  my  hero-baby!"  the  arrival  laughed 
up  at  the  squirming,  big-eyed  figure  perched  beside 
his  plumed  helmet.  u  And  can  you  guess  the  prize 
thatf  is  held  by  this  citadel  you've  so  boldly 
stormed?  " 

He  forgot  that  the  lad,  from  his  coign  of  vantage 
upon  his  shoulder,  could  look  down  along  his  back, 
and  thus  obtain  an  unobstructed  view  of  the  contents 
of  the  right  hand  he  was  guardedly  holding  behind 
him. 

"  Give  them  to  me,  Pythias!  "  crowed  the  child, 
kicking  his  heels  in  impatient;  delight  against  the  bur- 
nished breastplate  of  his  captor.  "  Oh,  give  them  to 
me  —  quickly!  " 

The  man  thus  wildly  importuned,  glanced  up  with 


8  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

a  start  of  surprise  and  caught  the  direction  of  his 
companion's  eyes. 

With  a  deep,  full-throated  laugh,  he  swung  the 
boy  to  the  ground.  From  behind  him,  he  brought 
forth  a  miniature  shield,  which  he  gave  into  the  small 
hands  that  were  eagerly  upstretched  to  receive  it. 
Then  followed  a  sword  —  its  blade  of  lead,  and 
with  point  and  edges  so  blunt  as  to  render  the  weapon 
harmless  to  a  juvenile  wielder.  And,  last  of  all,  a 
helmet  was  produced  before  the  lad's  joy-wide  eyes; 
a  helmet,  plumed  and  steel-studded  as  was  the  giver's 
own  and, —  wonder  of  wonders !  —  so  exact  a  replica 
of  that  bigger  headpiece  as  to  bear  a  visor  that  was 
moveable. 

So  cunningly  wrought  a  plaything  must  have 
meant  the  labor  of  weeks  on  the  part  of  some  silver- 
smith, and  in  consequence  had  entailed  a  goodly 
drain  on  its  donor's  purse.  Setting  the  casque  upon 
the  child's  bronze  curls,  and  so  completing  his  mock 
armament,  the  man  swung  the  tiny,  warlike  figure 
about. 

"  Now,  sir,  salute  your  mother  and  father,"  he 
ordered,  "  as  a  soldier  should!  " 

Smiling  at  them  past  the  child  who  was  standing 
in  stiff  salute  with  the  hilt  of  the  mimic  sword  pre- 
sented to  his  lips,  the  visitor  advanced  upon  his 
grown-up  watchers. 

He  bowed  over  the  woman's  hand.  And,  then,  in 
a  stride,  he  stood  before  the  man. 


THE  FRIENDS  9 

Their  right  hands  gripped ;  as  our  greeting  is  from 
man  to  man  to-day.  What  passed  in  that  clasp  was 
not  discernible  to  the  eye;  but  in  the  eagerly  smiling 
affection  with  which  each  regarded  the  other's  face, 
the  warmth  of  the  friendship  that  existed  between 
them  was  plainly  revealed. 

Both  were  of  noble  proportions;  the  blonde  head 
of  the  soldier  had  the  advantage  of  perhaps  an  inch 
over  the  other's  prematurely  whitened  locks,  but  this 
a-nd  the  warrior's  mightier  breadth,  as  well,  were  off- 
set by  the  power  of  intelligence  that  shone  from  the 
statesman's  countenance.  It  would  have  been  odd 
if  a  pair  so  well  matched  should  not  have  been  drawn 
by  the  call  of  like  to  like,  into  friendship. 

But  the  years  that  had  passed  since  their  first  meet- 
ing had  steadily  disclosed  the  fidelity,  courage  and 
honor  that  were  at  the  core  of  each  of  the  two 
friends'  character,  and  had  long  since  ripened  their 
feeling  of  mutual  respect  into  an  enduring  love. 

Now,  as  he  looked  into  the  other's  face,  reading 
there  the  shadow  of  care  that  underlay  its  expression 
of  pleased  welcome,  the  soldier's  free  hand  clapped 
[Damon's  shoulder  in  rough  sympathy. 

"  I  have  heard  how  the  election  went  to-day,"  he 
said.  "  Philistius  was  raised  to  the  presidency  of 
the  senate ;  so  that  means  you  were  defeated." 

"  Defeated,"  nodded  the  togaed  one,  the  tired 
smile  still  playing  about  his  lips.  "  The  vote  was 
three  to  one  —  we  were  a  hopeless  minority.  But," 


io  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

he  went  on,  "  how  heard  you  this,  Pythias,  when  you 
are  but  to-day  returned  from  the  fighting  in  the 
South?  And  how  have  the  wars  used  you?  Not 
ill,  so  far  as  eye  may  see." 

The  other  was  scanning  his  features  anxiously. 

"  The  city  is  full  of  the  talk  of  the  royalists'  vic- 
tory to-day;  I  had  been  deaf  not  to  overhear  it,"  he 
said.  "  I  hastened  here  to  you  as  soon  as  I  could,  to 
tell  you  that  you  must  not  take  this  too  much  to  heart, 
Damon." 

'*  The  mere  result  is  not  what  grieves  me,  since  I 
expected  it,"  the  statesman  answered;  "it  is  what 
must  follow  on  the  result." 

With  a  shrug,  he  turned  away,  signing  his  guest  to 
seat  himself. 

"  But  I  bring  you  news,"  announced  Pythias,  with 
a  return  to  his  former  light-hearted  manner,  as  he 
found  a  place  on  the  marble  brim  of  the  fountain 
between  DUmon  and  the  latter's  wife.  "  News  that 
will  cheer  you  out  of  your  despondency." 

"News?"  his  friend  repeated,  curiously. 

"  The  best  in  all  the  world  to  me.  And  so  it  will 
be  to  you,  Damon,  I  am  sure.  And  to  you,  Her- 
mion,  who  are  also  my  friend." 

Regarding  the  warrior's  radiant  countenance, 
Damon  turned  to  his  wife  with  a  smile. 

"  We  will  first  hear  what  this  good  news  of  Pyth- 
ias is,"  he  said.  "  And  then  he  and  I  will  talk  alone 
upon  another  matter." 


CHAPTER  II 

IN   THE   CITY 

*  '"^t    ^"OU  hear  them  shout  your  name  ?  " 

^L/          "  Yes,  but  I  am  wondering  if  such  a 

M        demonstration,  following  so  close  on  the 

heels  of  what  to-day  befell  in  the  Senate,  is  altogether 


wise." 


The  speakers  stood  on  a  certain  street-corner  of 
Syracuse,  at  the  moment  that  the  trio  we  left  back 
at  the  villa  on  the  hillside  were  seated  around  the 
fountain  in  its  garden. 

One  of  the  two  on  the  corner  of  the  street  —  a 
man  with  a  bronzed,  wind-bitten  visage  and  of 
mighty  stature  —  was  a  soldier. 

The  other  was  likewise  clad  in  the  helmet  and 
breastplate  of  a  warrior.  He  was  hatchet-faced. 
A  pair  of  hawk  eyes  looked  piercingly  out  from 
above  his  Roman  nose.  For  the  rest,  his  face  was 
thin-lipped,  lean-jowled,  of  a  puttyish-gray  complex- 
ion. The  silver  buckles  that  fastened  his  lambre- 
quin of  Tyrian  purple  to  the  points  of  his  shoulders 
did  not  come  within  a  foot  of  his  strapping  compan- 
ion's. But  somehow  —  perhaps  it  was  from  the 
commanding  gleam  that  shot  forth  from  those  steel- 
gray  eyes  of  his  —  he  seemed  the  larger  of  the  two. 

ii 


12  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

His  name,  even  then,  was  being  roared  in  the 
nearby  market  place. 

As  the  seas  break  first  upon  the  rocks  with  a 
boom!  to  be  followed  by  the  hiss  of  falling  spray, 
so  the  guttural  mob-yell  rose,  with  the  last  syllable 
sibilantly  prolonged,  thus : 

"  Dion-ysius-s-s !  " 

Again,  from  another  quarter,  the  rough-lunged 
shout  thundered  between  the  echoing  house-sides  of 
the  narrow  streets. 

"  Dionysius  —  Triomphe!  " 

The  thin  lips  of  the  man  thus  hailed  twitched. 
He  had  spoken  in  jest;  his  apprehension  at  the  wide- 
spread proclamation  of  his  name  through  the  city 
being  voiced  with  a  fine  tinge  of  sarcasm.  But  the 
gentle  irony  of  his  utterance  had  been  wholly  lost 
upon  the  thick-skinned  son-of-battle  at  his  side. 
Now,  the  latter  turned  to  regard  his  chief. 

"  Not  wise?  "  he  repeated,  staring.  "  And  what 
have  you,  Dionysius,  the  almighty  warlord,  to  fear 
from  the  puny  tailors,  jewelers,  and  wineshop-keep- 
ers who  might —  if  they  dared!  —  raise  their  voices 
in  protest  at  your  rule?  Are  not  a  picked  company 
of  your  warriors,  with  me  at  their  head,  stationed 
here  in  the  city?  And  scattered,  through  the  mob, 
at  every  street-crossing  and  alley-turning  from  east 
to  western  gates,  are  not  a  horde  of  your  followers 
among  the  thousands  waiting,  in  readiness  to  do 
your  will  — " 


IN  THE  CITY  13 

11  But  unarmed,"  quickly  interposed  the  other,  the 
catlike  smile  still  curving  his  cameo  lips.  "  Un- 
armed. iYou  forget  that,  my  Procles.  And'  so  of 
what  avail  is  their  willingness  to  fight  my  fight; 
when  they  stand  without  the  wherewithal  to  do  so?  " 

Turning,  the  soldier  flung  out  a  long  arm  toward 
the  turrets  of  a  fortress  behind  them. 

"  There  are  your  arms,"  he  answered,  with  grim 
eagerness.  "  Yes  —  yours;  if  you  will  but  utter  the 
command,  and  let  me  to  my  work.  In  one  bold  dash 
only,  I  pledge  you,  my  handful  of  ironguts  shall  win 
that  citadel  and  all  in  it  — " 

Stepping  back  to  regard  him  from  under  uplifted 
brows,  the  general  raised  his  hands  in  a  gesture  of 
effeminate  horror. 

"  You  would  attack  the  city's  garrison?  "  he  said. 
"  And  from  within  the  town  itself,  where  we  are 
held  to  be  its  friends?  But  this  is  treason!  " 

The  warrior  stood  tensely  watching  him,  in  no  way 
deceived  this  time  by  the  mock  sobriety  of  the  other's 
speech;  which,  indeed,  could  not  have  cheated  a 
child,  accompanied  as  it  was  by  a  frank  widening  of 
the  satiric  smile  upon  the  hatchet  features. 

"  Give  the  word,"  he  answered  through  his 
clenched  teeth,  "  and  you  shall  see  how  quickly  I  will 
obey." 

The  other's  gaze  traveled  toward  the  fort  to 
which  his  companion  had  pointed.  High  against  the 
heavens,  his  sharp  eyes  made  out  what  to  another 


14  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

would  have  been  only  an  indistinguishable  speck;  — 
the  form  of  an  eagle.  Its  outstretched  wings  and 
fiercely  majestic  head  tipped  with  gold  by  a  ray  of 
the  setting  sun  that  shot  just  then  through  a  cloud- 
rift,  the  bird  circled  directly  above  that  armory's  bat- 
tlements. It  seemed  to  mean  an  augury  to  the 
watching  leader.  The  smile  had  given  way  on  his 
countenance  before  a  look  of  hard  purpose,  as  he 
turned  back. 

"  I  have  tasted  blood  to-day,'*  he  said,  squaring 
his  shoulders;  and,  with  the  motion,  the  mantle  of 
his  former  sneering  suavity  dropped  wholly  from 
him.  '  They  thought  they  had  me  worsted  —  the 
dogs !  "  he  went  on  half  to  himself,  his  eyes  narrow- 
ing bitterly.  "  But  I  have  whipped  them  to  their 
kennels.  It  is  not  a  year  since  I  was  flung  down, 
disgraced,  frpm  the  high  office  to  which  at  last  I  had 
climbed.  Too  bold,  in  that  I  impeached  the  magis- 
trates for  what  I  deemed  treason  in  accepting  the 
terms  of  surrender  from  a  foe  I  would  have  crushed 
still  further  to  wring  a  heavier  indemnity  from  them 
for  our  own  gain  — *  an  exceeded  authority,'  that  was 
the  charge  by  which  they  caused  my  downfall.  Not 
a  year  ago !  And  now  I  have  won  back  my  power, 
but  in  redoubled  measure.  I  have  worked !  worked ! 
worked !  as  no  man  ever  before  me  has  worked.  To 
bribe  the  controlling  vote  of  the  Senate,  on  one  hand; 
to  gain  the  trust  and  following  of  the  army,  on  the 
other.  It  has  meant  sleepless  nights.  It  has  meant 


IN  THE  CITY  15 

the  surrendering  of  every  pleasure  to  unending  toil. 
But  I  have  done  it.  They  did  not  know  the  man  they 
sought  to  break.  They  do  not  know  me  yet.  But 
they  shall,  to  their  cost,  ere  I  am  done." 

He  leveled  his  right  arm  past  his  lieutenant,  car- 
ried out  of  his  wonted  taciturn  astuteness  by  his  own 
fierce  review. 

"  Go!  "  he  rasped  "The  garrison  I  will  take. 
Its  arms,  and  store  of  food  and  gold  shall  equip  these 
men  of  mine  against  a  future  time  of  need  —  That 
is,"  he  added,  his  voice  descending  from  its  pitch  of 
passion  to  the  thoughtful  key  of  one  who  is  accus- 
tomed, as  a  successful  strategist,  to  weigh  every  plan 
down  to  its  smallest  detail,  "  that  is,  if  the  men  under 
you  are  as  eager  as  you  say  you  are,  yourself,  to  at- 
tempt the  attack.  You  have  sounded  them?  " 

Procles  nodded,  with  a  reassuring  smile. 

"  And  they  are  ready,"  he  answered.  "  Your 
gold,  that  I  distributed  among  them  this  noon  at  your 
bidding,  has  whetted  their  appetite  for  more.  The 
heaped-up,  yellow  contents  of  those  coffers  back  there 
is  the  goal  on  which  the  greedy  eyes  of  every  rascal 
of  the  lot  are  set.  How  willingly  at  your  command 
they  would  storm  that,  or  any  other  stronghold, 
wherein  lies  so  rich  a  treasure  for  their  sacking,  you 
have  only  to  hear  them  acclaim  you  to  know  —  as 
now!" 

Fainter,  the  rioters  having  passed  into  some 
farther  thoroughfare,  the  triumphantly  chorused 


1 6  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

roaring  of  the  name  "  Dionysius  "  came  again  to 
their  ears. 

"  Be  off!  "  curtly  ordered  the  lean-visaged  chief. 
"  Tell  them  what  I  say  —  the  citadel  falls.  But 
first  lead  them  here.  There  may  be  one  or  two  who, 
at  the  last  moment,  would  hesitate  at  the  actual 
striking  of  so  bold  a  blow.  And  all  depends  on  the 
unexpected  effect  of  their  solid,  fearless  rush.  I 
think  a  few  words  of  encouragement  from  me  may 
be  of  help.  Bring  my  wolf-pack  here,  and  I  will 
speak  to  them." 

The  soldier  saluted,  and  set  off  upon  his  errand. 
At  the  next  turning  he  passed  a  man, —  the  train  of 
his  toga  draped  over  one  shoulder  across  a  heroic 
stomach  that  quaked,  jellylike,  as  he  walked, —  who 
was  approaching  along  the  narrow,  chariot-rutted 
street. 

The  rotund  one  halted  before  the  armored  figure 
of  Dionysius  who  barred  his  way;  Dionysius  whose 
head  was  turned  at  that  moment  to  look  measuringly 
up  along  the  ledges  on  the  pedestal  of  a  statue  be- 
hind him;  a  pedestal  which  might  serve  as  steps  to 
the  platform  of  the  monument  and  from  which  a 
view  of  all  the  wide  space,  at  the  intersection  of  those 
two  streets,  could  be  commanded. 

"  I  salute  you,  Dionysius,"  the  pedestrian  hailed 
in  a  furry,  fawning  voice. 

The  other,  turning,  nodded  an  indifferent  greet- 
ing. He  contemplated  the  speaker  without  any  par- 


Universal  Film  Manufacturing  Co. 

SCENE    ON    THE    ESTATE    OF    DAMON. 


Universal  Ftlm  Manufacturing  Co. 

CALANTHE    AND    PYTHIAS. 


IN  THE  CITY  17 

ticular  fondness;  sweeping  him  from  the  sleek  black 
curls  that  framed  his  smiling,  oily-skinned  face,  to 
the  plump  bare  calves  that  bowed  under  the  hem  of 
his  robe  with  the  task  of  supporting  the  vast  girth 
above  them.  The  granite  eyes  beneath  the  bur- 
nished helmet's  visor  held  only  the  coldly  appraising 
look  of  one  who  regards  a  chattel. 

"  Damocles,"  the  general  questioned,  "  why  has 
not  Philistius  accompanied  you?  " 

"  He  follows !  "  The  answer  came  with  placating 
haste.  "  He  but  tarried  at  the  banquet,  given  by  his 
admiring  friends  in  honor  of  his  well-merited  elec- 
tion, to  join  in  a  last  pledging  of  his  name, —  a  cup 
to  each  letter.  Ten  cups,  only,  in  all." 

Dionysius'  mouth-corners  were  twitching.  Look- 
ing beyond  the  fat  sycophant,  he  had  spied  a  lean 
figure,  clad  also  in  the  toga  of  senatorial  rank,  and 
with  a  fringe  of  white  hair  surrounding  the  bald 
crown  of  his  head,  coming  toward  them  along  the 
winding  thoroughfare. 

"  Ah,  Philistius!"  he  hailed,  his  voice  vibrant 
with  mockery.  "  Let  me  add  my  congratulations ! 
So  you  wined  and  dined  thus  early,  I  learn !  A  cup 
to  each  letter?  Royal  honors!  Those  whose  votes 
elevated  you  to  your  high  place,  I  presume,  com- 
panioned you  in  this  feast  of  celebration?  Yes. 
To  be  sure.  A  little  getting  together,  to  decide 
which  one  shall  be  given  some  well-paid  office,  which 
this,  or  that.  Quite  right.  But  you  will  not  for- 


1 8  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

get,"  with  a  sudden  biting  lack  of  levity  in  the  mas- 
terful voice,  "  whose  gold  paved  the  way  for  it  all. 
Yet  I  do  not  begrudge  you  your  pickings,"  he  care- 
lessly went  on.  "  Enrich  yourselves,  all  of  you,  at 
the  public's  cost,  while  you  may.  It  is  on  a  higher 
goal  my  eyes  are  set." 

From  the  head  of  the  street  just  then,  a  wild  shout 
went  up;  louder,  because  much  nearer,  than  any  of 
those  which  the  wind  had  borne  that  way  before. 

"  The  soldiers  are  at  hand,  and  with  them  the 
curious  rabble,"  the  commander  told  the  two.  "  It 
would  be  wisest,  perhaps,  in  view  of  what  I  am  about 
to  say,  if  you  were  not  seen  here  with  me.  Go,  then, 
to  the  square  before  the  Academy  and  await  my 
coming." 

As  the  white-robed  pair  departed,  the  street  rang 
with  the  clash  of  arms.  Pouring  forward,  a  shield- 
and-sword-brandishing,  shouting,  semi-drunken  band, 
into  the  alleylike  thoroughfare,  the  chosen  bodyguard 
of  Dionysius  swept  toward  him.  They  were  bearing 
with  them,  bumped  and  jostled  against  the  house- 
sides,  as  chips  on  a  surging  wave,  a  body  of  the  idly 
inquisitive  citizenry;  as  their  chief  had  announced. 

And,  as  one  such  chip  out  of  the  many  is  oft-times 
tossed  aloft  by  the  breakers,  so  now  there  rose  upon 
a  doorstep  the  wild-eyed  figure  of  a  blonde  and 
pimply-chinned  young  man.  He  shook  his  fists 
above  the  heads  of  the  crowd. 

"  Fools  I  "  he  exhorted  them.     "  Will  you  stand 


IN  THE  CITY  19 

quietly  by,  and  see  them  carry  out  the  purpose  which 
they  have  shouted;  grinning  in  your  very  faces? 
You  will  see  our  treasury  fall  into  their  thieving 
hands  —  and  not  lift  a  finger  to  stop  them  ?  What 
if  they  are  armed,  and  you  are  not?  We  outnumber 
them,  twenty  to  one.  Fall  on  them,  with  me !  Or 
do  you  want  a  tyrant's  rule  ?  This  is  treating  you  to 
a  taste  of  what  you  will  have  in  store,  once  that  iron- 
shod  despot,  Dion — " 

A  soldier,  springing  out  from  the  rest,  checked 
the  socialist's  words  with  a  leveled  sword-point  at 
his  throat. 

But  the  fanatic  raved  on : 

"  Be  men,  to-day  or  slaves  forever !  I  call  on 
you  to  — "  The  soldier  drove  the  weapon  forward. 
It  bit  deep  into  the  orator's  throat. 

Without  a  second  glance  behind  him  at  the  figure 
of  the  unknown  youth,  fallen  curiously  limp  across 
the  doorstep,  the  slayer  leaped  down  among  his 
fellows. 

A  welcoming  roar  burst  from  them  as,  crowding 
round  the  statue's  base,  they  looked  up  at  the  short, 
square-shouldered  form  of  Dionysius  himself  who 
stood  upon  its  platform. 

Dionysius  signed  for  silence;  and  it  came. 

"  My  friends,"  spoke  the  gaunt-cheeked  general, 
smilingly  pointing  toward  the  citadel's  turrets,  "  they 
tell  me  there  is  a  goodly  sum  of  new-minted  money 
there.  Also,  that  the  treasury  is  but  ill-defended. 


20  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

How  true  that  last  may  be,  I  do  not  know.  But  this 
I  do :  I  think  I  may  claim  the  friendship  of  the  man 
who  to-day  has  been  chosen  president  of  the  senate. 
If  any  assault  you  might  make  upon  that  garrison 
were  to  fail,  I  am  sure  I  could  put  forward  the  word 
that  would  spare  any  one  of  you  from  punishment. 
I  can  say  no  more.  But  perhaps  I  have  no  need  to 
add  anything  further,  to  speed  you  on  to  that  golden 
storehouse  — ?  " 

With  an  affirmative  shout,  mixed  of  laughter  and 
cheers,  the  guerilla  mob  surged  forward  up  the 
street,  its  eyes  fixed  with  one  covetous  accord  upon 
the  battlements  of  the  fortress. 

Dionysius,  descending  from  the  monument,  walked 
in  their  hurried  wake  to  the  public  square  two  cor- 
ners ahead. 

"  Philistius,"  was  his  first  greeting  of  the  pair  he 
had  sent  on  there  before  him,  "  I  wanted  to  ask  you 
in  what  manner  your  election  was  received  this  morn- 
ing within  the  senate  chamber?  " 

The  leader-elect  of  that  body  shrugged. 

"  How  could  it  be  received?"  he  said,  smiling. 
"  We  outnumbered  them  so  completely  as  to  drown 
their  hisses  with  our  cheers,  even  as  our  votes 
drowned  theirs." 

'*  But  there  must  have  been  some  expression  upon 
some  face,"  the  other  persisted,  impatiently;  "  the 
face  for  example  of  one  to  whom  the  outcome  meant 


IN  THE  CITY  21 

bitterer  disappointment  than  to  any  other  there.  I 
mean  Damon.  Did  he  rail  against  the  decision,  or 
sit  gnawing  his  knuckles,  instead,  in  glum  dejection? 
Or  how  took  he  the  result?  " 

"  He  must  have  expected  it,"  indifferently  replied 
Philistius. 

"  I  watched  him,"  put  in  Damocles,  with  a  true 
courtier's  instinct  perceiving  what  the  general  wanted 
to  know,  and  eager  to  please  him.  "  I  marked  how 
his  brows  drew  together,  as  with  bodily  pain.  His 
lips  pressed  tight  shut,  his  hands  clenched  at  his  sides. 
He  rose  from  his  place  without  a  word.  He  had  not 
joined  the  groans  of  his  party.  But  it  was  as  though 
a  full  ten  years  had  been  added  to  him;  so  drooped 
his  shoulders,  so  bowed  was  his  head,  as  he  passed 
out  through  the  doors." 

"  Good !  "  the  soldier  approved,  vindictively.  "  I 
am  glad  if  it  roweled  him.  It  was  he  who  led  the 
attack  upon  me,  a  year  ago.  He  is  still  my  enemy. 
And,  by  Pollux,  I  am  his  —  for  I  do  not  forget. 
He  shall  learn,  and  soon,  that  this  triumph  of  to-day 
is  but  a  single  step  in  my  march." 

He  addressed  Philistius. 

'  What  think  you,  now  ?  Would  the  senate  be  of 
a  mind  to  disband,  and  name  me  ruler  if  it  were 
asked  of  them  —  say,  on  the  morrow?  " 

"  Nay,  be  patient,"  protested  the  president 
"  That  will  come  in  time.  We  must  not  risk  all,  nor 


22  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

hasten  matters  unduly.  There  are  still  those  upon 
our  side  who  need  to  be  talked  into  a  stiffer  backbone 
for  so  bold  a  move." 

The  other  nodded,  the  eager  light  fading  from  his 
eyes.  "  I  can  wait,"  he  said,  in  the  grimly  laconic 
tone  of  one  who  has  proved  his  right  to  the  palm  of 
Patience. 

"  There  are  some  of  that  number  of  whom  Philis- 
tius  speaks,"  the  greasily  opulent  Damocles  informed 
him,  "  who  will  be  waiting,  even  now,  at  my  house  to 
meet  you  and  hear  your  plan  discussed.  Let  us  walk 
there." 

But  if  the  general  heard  him,  he  gave  no  sign. 
Crossing  the  square  in  front  of  them  were  a  bevy 
of  maidens.  All  of  them  were  fair  to  see;  but  one 
—  the  center  of  the  group,  and,  so,  apparently  their 
leader  or  mistress  —  was  fairest  of  all. 

"  Come,  Dionysius,"  said  Philistius,  starting  off. 

"  Yes,  yes,"  the  warlord  answered  vaguely,  his 
eyes  still  following  the  girl.  "  In  a  moment,  broth- 
ers, in  —  a  —  moment." 


CHAPTER  III 

PYTHIAS'  BETROTHAL 

PYTHIAS,  in  the  garden  of  the  hillside  villa, 
meantime  was  trying,  in  a  fit  of  wholly  un- 
wonted  embarrassment,    to   tell   the   great 
tidings  that  filled  his  brain. 

"  But  I  think  I  can  guess  what  your  news  is," 
Damon  was  saying.  "  And  indeed,  Pythias,  you  are 
right  in  believing  that  whatever  good-fortune  falls 
to  your  lot  brings  equal  joy  to  me." 

The  soldier  laughed,  with  a  schoolboy's  zest. 

"  See  if  you  can  foretell  what  my  tidings  are  I  " 
he  invited.  "  You  could  not  do  it,  I  am  sure,  in  a 
week's  trying.  But,  go  on  —  what  think  you  is  the 
confidence?  " 

The  other  smiled  at  him  in  fond  assurance. 

"  Why,  what  could  it  be  but  one  thing?  To  me 
who  am  acquainted  with  your  valor,  and  seeing  you 
freshly  returned  from  battle,  as  now,  it  is  no  difficult 
matter  to  apprehend  what  good  news  to  yourself,  and 
to  those  who  have  your  interests  at  heart,  you  bring 
back.  Your  prowess  has  won  you  promotion.  You 
have  been  given  a  higher  rank  in  the  army  than  you 
held  before." 

23 


24  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

"No!" 

Pythias  was  laughing  at  him,  boyishly. 

"  It  has  nothing  to  do,"  Damon  questioned,  his 
forehead  crinkling,  "  with  a  triumph  won  by  your 
feats  of  arms?  " 

"Nothing!" 

The  blonde  warrior  laughingly  shook  his  head. 

:<  That  is,"  after  an  instant's  thoughtful  pause  he 
corrected  himself,  "  it  may  be  that  some  tale  of  the 
successes  that  have  met  my  efforts  in  the  field,  being 
borne  to  her  ears,  helped  to  sway  her  heart  toward 
me.  She  has  told  me  she  admires  bravery  in  a  man. 
She—" 

The  other  checked  him  with  brows  incredulously 
uplifted. 

"  She  ?  "  he  repeated.  "  What  mean  these  '  shes  ' 
and  *  hers  '  in  your  speech,  Pythias  ?  Explain  your- 
self!" 

But,  by  this  time  having  guessed  what  the  other's 
tidings  were  to  be,  the  smile  had  returned  to  his  lips 
as  he  watched  the  soldier. 

"  Well,  there  you  have  it !  "  declared  Pythias, 
spreading  out  his  hands,  an  embarrassed  flush  suffus- 
ing the  tan  of  his  handsome  face.  "  Such  is  my  news. 
I  love,  at  last;  and,  praise  Venus,  am  loved  in  return. 
But  by  what  a  maid !  Damon,  she  is  fair  —  fair," 
he  launched,  with  a  rush  of  lover's  eloquence,  into 
a  description  of  his  adored  one,  "  as  the  rosy  dawn 
itself.  Such  laughing  eyes  she  has !  Such  dimpling 


PYTHIAS'  BETROTHAL  25, 

cheeks!  She  is  like  some  young  daughter  of  the 
goddess  of  laughter,  sent  down  to  earth  to  show  us 
dreary  mortals  what  joyous  life  may  be.  Not  the 
Graces  themselves  could  outvie  the  poetry  of  motion 
in  her  going.  Light  as  thistledown  — " 

44  Pythias  turned  orator!  "  murmured  the  states- 
man in  wonder.  "  But  who  is  this  Divinity,  may  one 
inquire?  " 

"  She  is  Calanthe,"  Pythias  replied.  "  And  if  you 
but  knew  her,  you  too  would  chant  her  praises  with- 
out ever  wearying.  She  is  the  daughter  of  Arria  (a 
widow  of  means  whose  house  is  in  the  street  of  the 
Three  Arches).  It  was  while  I  was  on  furlough, 
three  months  ago,  that  first  I  met  her.  Before  a 
dozen  words  had  passed  between  us,  love  had  en- 
tered my  heart;  and  'twas  the  same  with  her.  She 
promised  to  name  me  the  day  she  would  be  mine, 
when  I  returned  again  from  the  wars.  And  she  had 
kept  her  word,  within  this  same  hour.  We  are 
plighted  to  take  the  marriage  vow,  a  fortnight  from 
to-morrow." 

Damon,  rising  soberly,  took  the  other's  hand. 

"  I  wish  you  as  much  happiness,  as  I  have  found 
in  wedlock  with  this  sweet  woman,  here.  The  gods 
granting  me  that  prayer,  you  will  not  need  to  sacri- 
fice to  them  for  any  further  favor." 

His  friend,  grown  serious  likewise,  looked  from 
one  to  the  other  of  the  pair  before  him. 

"  Indeed,"   he  said,   "  I  would  ask  for  nothing 


26  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

more  than  that.  That  I  may  know  throughout  my 
future  married  life  the  same  rich  content  you  have 
found  in  yours  —  I  echo  your  great  wish." 

Damon,  with  a  deepening  of  the  gravity  on  his 
countenance,  turned  to  the  woman  who  sat  on  the 
fountain's  marble  brim  beside  him. 

"  Leave  me  to  talk  for  a  while  with  Pythias,1'  he 
gently  ordered. 

But  even  when  Hermion  had  departed  into  the 
villa,  Damon  was  silent.  He  took  up  his  slow  pacing 
back  and  forth  once  more,  with  hands  clasped  behind 
him.  Watching  his  frowning  profile,  his  friend's 
look  of  concern  returned. 

"  Damon  " —  laying  a  hand  again  upon  his  shoul- 
der to  stop  him  in  the  midst  of  his  restless  walk,  and 
so  swing  him  about  to  gain  a  full  look  into  his  face, 
"  what  is  preying  upon  your  mind?  " 

The  senator  reseated  himself  upon  the  brink  of  the 
fountain. 

"  I  did  not  speak  of  it  before  her,"  the  soldier 
went  on,  still  regarding  him  from  under  a  worried 
frown,  "  for  fear  of  rousing  her  alarm  — " 

"  She  suspects,  I  fear,"  Damon,  glancing  toward 
the  doorway  behind  them,  broke  in  musingly,  half  to 
himself.  " —  But  she  does  not  know,  not  yet. 
That  is  why  I  sent  her  away." 

"Know?  Suspect?"  repeated  the  warrior,  in 
stark  mystification.  "  What,  will  you  tell  me  ? 
Perhaps,  because  I  speak  of  noting  its  effect  upon 


PYTHIAS'  BETROTHAL  27 

you,  you  think  I,  too,  suspect  the  cause  of  your  un- 
easy mind.  But,  I  assure  you,  I  do  not !  What  has 
gone  amiss  with  you  in  my  absence?  " 

The  other  looked  up  at  him  grimly. 

"  You  told  me,"  he  answered  with  meaning,  "  that 
you  had  heard  the  result  of  the  election  to-day." 

Sitting  down  beside  him,  his  friend  held  him  off  by 
both  shoulders. 

"  New  silver  among  those  locks,  at  the  temples," 
he  read  aloud  the  inventory  which  his  shrewd  gaze 
made.  "  A  fresh  network  of  wrinkles  beside  the 
eyes.  A  brow  deeper-furrowed  by  at  least  three 
added  creases.  Man,  you  have  aged  five  years  in 
the  six  months  since  I  saw  you  last!  And  all  for 
what?  Because  of  a  change  in  our  country's  poli- 
tics ?  A  change  that  will  be  forgotten  in  less  than  a 
decade  in  another  change,  as  that  will  be  lost  to 
memory  in  another,  and  so  on  —  as  the  history  of 
affairs  of  state,  since  first  they  began,  has  ever  proven. 
You  surely  have  not  been  so  foolish  as  to  brood  over 
such  a  trifling  matter!  If  nothing  more  than  that 
has  destroyed  your  peace  of  mind,  be  advised  by 
me :  Think  no  more  of  it.  You  take  far  too  seri- 
ously the  office  you  hold." 

14  The  office  I  hold  I  "  echoed  the  other  reflectively; 
and  so  sat  for  a  space  in  thought.  With  a  slow 
smile,  he  turned  at  length  to  his  well-meaning  ad- 
viser. 

"  Pythias,"  he  said,  leaning  forward  and  speaking 


28  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

with  forefinger  illustratively  laid  across  one  palm, 
"  you  are  a  general  in  the  army  of  this  country  of 
ours.  You  have  sworn,  on  accepting  your  commis- 
sion, to  defend  with  your  life  its  gates,  should  they 
be  attacked  by  some  enemy.  Suppose  hostile  hordes 
were  at  hand,  to  storm  those  same  gates.  That  they 
were  even  now  swarming  over  the  walls,  to  put  to 
the  torch  all  this  fair  land  of  yours  and  mine.  Has 
that,  thus  far  in  the  history  of  nations,  not  been 
done,  and  then  forgotten  in  succeeding  time  of  peace, 
which  in  turn  has  been  blotted  from  the  minds  of  men 
in  red  war's  new  coming?  What  would  you  do, 
then?  Throw  down  the  sword  and  shield  you  had 
vowed  to  your  country's  defense,  and  run  to  save 
your  own  life  —  because  you  knew  the  incident  would 
be  forgotten  in  a  few  years  ?  " 

"  No !  "  flared  the  other.  "  No,  by  Mars !  You 
know  me  better !  " 

The  statesman  rose,  with  a  shrug. 

"  Exactly  so,"  he  responded,  resuming  his  restive 
pacing  as  before.  "  I,  too,  took  a  vow,  when  I  ac- 
cepted my  commission  as  a  servant  of  the  people. 
It  was  to  defend  our  country's  welfare.  Not,  as  in 
your  case,  with  brawn.  But  with  brain.  And  now 
an  enemy  does  threaten  us.  One  viler  than  any  bar- 
barian tribe  that  might  be  sent  to  scale  our  walls, 
since  it  is  from  within  the  walls  themselves  the  men- 
ace comes  —  at  the  hands  of  traitors.  And  you  call 
this  a  trifling  matter;  one  I  ought  to  take  less  to 


PYTHIAS'  BETROTHAL  29 

heart?  When  I  see  the  land  I  have  pledged  myself 
to  protect  so  endangered?  And  myself  too  weak  to 
redeem  that  pledge  ?  For,  Pythias,  you  would  have 
an  army  at  your  back  to  repel  that  other  attack. 
And  what  have  I?  We  are  so  few  —  so  pitifully 
few,"  he  clenched  his  hands  in  impotent. anguish; 
"  we  who  hold  our  patriotism  higher  than  the  highest 
bribe  could  reach  —  as  against  the  number  we  op- 
pose. You  do  not  guess  why  I  am  near  to  the  brink 
of  distraction.  But  think  of  yourself  in  my  place, 
and  you  will  quickly  understand.  I  must  —  I  will 
hold  to  my  vow,  no  matter  what  the  cost !  " 

He  halted  to  gaze,  as  before,  down  upon  the 
roof-tops  of  the  town  in  the  far-off  vale.  But 
now  his  eyes,  as  they  rested  upon  it,  held  a  zealot's 
fire. 

"  One  deed  only  can  end  it !  "  he  breathed.  "  And 
that  deed  I  must  take  into  my  own  hands.  I  have 
seen  it  coming.  For  that  reason,  I  sent  her  and  the 
child  out  here  into  the  country  on  pretext  of  the  little 
one's  health.  But  in  reality  it  was  to  have  them 
safe  out  of  harm's  way,  when  the  time  comes  to 
strike  the  blow  — " 

"  Damon,  are  you  mad?  "  queried  the  soldier,  half 
starting  up  and  gazing  at  him,  aghast.  "  If  I  catch 
your  meaning  —  but,  listen  to  me :  this  must  cease. 
Promise  me  you  will  do  nothing  rash.  I  must  have 
your  word  that  you  do  not  even  contemplate  — " 

The  ©ther  checked  him  with  a  warning  gesture. 


30  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

A  servant,  sent  back  by  Hermion  to  bring  in  the  little 
boy,  had  emerged  just  then  from  the  villa. 

He  was  a  man  of  middle  age,  whose  dark,  humble 
eyes  were  set  in  a  lean,  war-seamed  face.  The  green 
of  the  slave-tunic  blending  in  the  foliage  against 
which  he  stood  at  the  rear  of  the  garden  while  he 
looked  for  his  small  charge,  lent  an  added  obscurity 
to  his  presence. 

Turning  back  to  his  guest,  Damon  waved  an  in- 
viting hand  toward  a  bowl  of  fruit  on  a  nearby  pedes- 
tal. Pythias  shook  his  head.  The  other,  following 
the  soldier's  gaze,  looked  around  again  to  ascertain 
whether  the  servant  had  carried  out  his  errand  and 
gone. 

But  Xextus,  playing  among  the  pillars  of  the 
peristyle  —  pillars  which  he  called  his  soldiers  — 
and  being  of  no  mind  to  give  up  his  sport  so  soon, 
had  turned,  at  the  head  of  his  slender  white,  marble 
legions  at  the  approach  of  the  slave ;  brows  martially 
beetling  under  the  toy  helmet,  mimic  sword  akimbo, 
to  repel  the  attack  of  the  invader. 

The  slave  had  given  back  a  step  before  the  tiny, 
militant  figure.  All  the  color  drained  from  his 
cheeks,  he  was  looking,  not  at  the  child,  but  through 
him,  as  though  upon  some  dread  vision  he  saw  there. 

Damon,  watching,  understood  what  was  passing 
through  the  fellow's  thoughts.  His  own  sped  back 
to  a  street  in  Rome,  through  which  he  had  been 


PYTHIAS'  BETROTHAL  31 

walking,  the  business  of  state  that  had  taken  him 
to  that  city  being  completed,  on  his  way  from  the 
Forum  to  his  lodgings  in  the  Palatine,  on  a  day  three 
years  before. 

Midway  of  the  street  before  him,  he  had  seen  a 
small  group  gathered  near  the  deadwall  of  a  build- 
ing. It  had  comprised  three  young  men,  in  the  in- 
signia of  Roman  officers,  and  another,  of  their  own 
age,  whose  robe,  gathered  in  the  expansive  folds  of 
a  fop's,  revealed  him  to  be  a  gentleman  of  leisure;  as 
readily  as  did  his  over-ringed  white  hands. 

Damon  had  perceived  that  one  of  the  soldiers  was 
just  then  adding  a  fresh  spot  of  red  to  the  two  or 
three  that  already  marred  the  white  skirt  of  his 
tunic,  as  he  held  the  hem  of  that  garment  to  a  thumb 
which  had  apparently  been  wounded  by  an  accidental 
scratch. 

u  And  we  contend  that  the  blood  of  a  slave  is  of 
no  different  color  than  yours  or  ours/*  another  of 
the  officers  had  been  saying,  loud  enough  for  Damon 
to  overhear  as  he  drew  nearer.  "But  come;  the 
question  is  soon  settled.  You  have  a  few  sesterces, 
perhaps,  my  good  Pyrrhus,  with  which  to  back  your 
opinion  in  the  matter." 

"  It  is  impossible  that  a  slave's  blood  could  be  of 
the  same  hue  as  a  patrician's,"  the  coxcomb  had  made 
answer  with  disdainful  assurance.  "  But  I  will 
wager  on  it,  gladly.  A  sestertium  *  that  I  am  right." 

*  $400  in  our  currency. 


32  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

Damon  had  halted.  He  had  come  close  enough 
to  the  group  by  that  time  to  see  over  their  heads. 
And  thus  he  had  made  the  discovery  that  it  contained 
yet  another  member.  It  was  this  same  slave  upon 
whom  his  gaze  now  rested,  that  he  had  then  seen 
standing  with  his  back  to  the  wall,  hemmed  in  by  the 
knot  of  disputants.  Ashen  cheeked,  then  as  now, 
the  wretch  had  been  staring  in  dumb,  sick-eyed  terror 
at  the  short  swords  of  two  of  the  three  officers. 

"  Stay  a  moment,"  the  soldier  with  the  bleeding 
thumb  had  objected.  "  We  have  not  yet  decided 
who  pays  for  your  slave.  We  shall  open  him  well, 
in  order  to  leave  no  doubt  in  your  mind.  Shall  we 
agree  that  you  are  to  stand  his  loss,  along  with  the 
wager,  if  your  judgment  is  proved  wrong?  And  we 
to  reimburse  you  for  him,  in  case  we  are  the  losers?  " 

"  That  will  be  another  sestertium,"  the  dandy,  in 
smiling  confidence,  had  nodded  his  agreement  to  the 
terms.  "  I  paid  that  much  for  him  to  Draco,  the 
dealer,  last  summer  —  but  he  has  proved  worth  the 
price.  I  would  hesitate  to  lose  so  good  a  servant, 
were  it  not  that,  with  the  two  sestertia  which  I  am 
about  to  receive  from  you,  it  should  not  be  a  difficult 
matter  for  me  to  find  another  as  good.  Strike, 
Hecale,  and  you,  Gracchus, —  and  let  us  have  the 
matter  put  to  the  proof!  " 

Damon  had  stepped  forward. 

"  Your  pardon,  sirs,"  he  had  apologized  quietly 
for  his  intrusion. 


PYTHIAS'  BETROTHAL  33 

The  three  officers,  at  sight  of  his  senatorial  toga, 
had  given  way  before  him  respectfully.  The  fop, 
however,  had  shown  no  such  deference  for  the 
stranger's  rank.  Turning,  he  had  looked  the  in- 
truder up  and  down  with  haughty  eyes. 

"  Why,"  he  had  begun,  coldly,  "  I,  myself,  can 
see  no  reason  why  you  should  be  granted  pardon  for 
breaking  in  upon  a  conversation  that  does  not  pos- 
sibly concern — " 

"  A  desire  to  be  of  service  to  you,"  Damon  had 
bowed,  in  unsmiling  response,  "  by  settling  the  dis- 
cussion I  have  overheard  you  engaged  in,  is  my  ex- 
cuse. It  entitles  me,  I  think,  to  forgiveness  for  the 
interruption.  Your  friends,  these  soldiers,  are 
right.  The  blood  that  runs  through  the  veins  of 
that  vassal,"  tapping  his  breast,  "  is  the  same  as 
mine.  Its  color  is  no  different  from  any  other  fel- 
low-being's. I  would  not  advise  you  to  touch  him 
with  your  swords,  since  " —  and  Damon  had  placed 
a  bag  of  gold  pieces  in  the  hand  of  the  astonished  ex- 
quisite — "  since,  on  the  payment  to  you  of  twice 
what  I  have  heard  you  say  he  cost  you,  he  now  be- 
longs to  me." 

Beckoning  the  slave  to  his  side,  Damon  had  been 
about  to  walk  on. 

"  I  am  not  a  slave-dealer!  "  the  young  dandy  had 
checked  him,  in  a  tone  of  scornful  wrath. 

"  Nor  are  you  a  fit  master  for  any  slave,"  the  older 
man,  turning  to  face  him,  had  answered  with  laconic 


34  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

sternness.     "  Nor  fit  to  hold  knightly  rank.     A  true 
knight  does  no  man  wrong." 

He  had  passed  on  down  the  street.     The  servant 
whose  life  he  had  saved  had  followed  at  his  heels 
and  had  thenceforth  loved  him  as  a  dog  its  master. 
•  •  •  •  •  •  • 

Now  Damon  spoke  with  quiet,  but  obedience- 
compelling,  firmness  to  the  child. 

"  Xextus,  go  into  the  house  with  Lucullus,"  he 
directed. 

The  lad,  dropping  his  pose  of  playful  menace  be- 
fore the  servant,  turned  at  the  voice  of  paternal  au- 
thority. The  slave  had  got  back  his  grip  on  him- 
self. Stepping  forward,  with  a  bow  of  apology  to 
his  master  and  the  latter' s  guest  for  his  intrusion 
upon  their  occupancy  of  the  garden,  Lucullus  picked 
the  child  up  in  his  arms  and  convoyed  his  burden  of 
protestingly  wriggling  small  boyhood  into  the  villa. 

Damon,  turning  back  from  watching  their  de- 
parture, saw  his  friend  frowningly  regarding  the 
ground  at  his  feet. 

14  But  enough  of  my  troubles," — the  statesman, 
with  a  self-condemnatory  headshake,  went  on  in  a 
tone  of  assumed  lightness  — "  This  is  a  bright  day 
for  you,  Pythias  —  do  not  let  me  cloud  it  by  bother- 
ing you  with  my  cares." 

Pythias  rose,  the  troubled  wrinkle  still  between  his 
brows. 

"  It  is  not  as  bright  a  day  for  me  as  it  was,  I  can- 


PYTHIAS'  BETROTHAL  35 

not  but  admit,"  he  answered  ruefully.  '  To  come 
back  this  way  and  find  you  so  sore  distressed,  grieves 
me—" 

"  Do  not  let  it  grieve  you,"  the  other  interrupted, 
laying  his  hand  in  turn  upon  his  shoulder  with  an 
affectionate  smile.  "  It  has  been  good  to  see  you. 
But  I  have  made  you  spend  too  much  time  away  from 
your  Calanthe.  I  would  not  have  you  think  ill  of 
me.  So,  if  you  are  in  haste  to  return  to  the  city  — " 

"  But  'tis  a  strange  thing,"  the  soldier  broke  in, 
"  how  love  works  in  one.  It  is  all  new  to  me.  But, 
though  I  left  her  not  an  hour  ago,  I  am  a-hunger  at 
this  moment  for  another  sight  of  her,  as  though  it 
were  a  week  since  we  parted." 

"  I  will  summon  Hermion,"  his  host  responded, 
with  an  understanding  nod,  "  that  we  may  both  take 
leave  of  her.  For  I  shall  accompany  you  on  your 
journey.  I  must  know,"  he  continued,  with  a  return 
of  his  former  seriousness,  as  he  looked  down  again 
upon  the  town  " —  what  is  going  on  there." 

Pythias  stepped  to  his  side. 

"  But  remember,"  he  charged,  "  I  have  asked  you 
to  pledge  me  that  you  will  make  no  rash  move. 
You  must  be  careful,  Damon.  Not  alone  for  your- 
self —  for  I  know  too  well  how  little  you  would 
think  of  that  —  but  for  the  sake  of  all  of  us  who 
love  you,  you  will  attempt  nothing  desperate.  '  Cau- 
tion!'"^ 


CHAPTER  IV; 

HE   WHO   COVETS 

UP  the  winding,  chariot-rutted  road  ran 
Calanthe,  pursued  by  her  maidens.  The 
gay  breeze,  borne  from  the  blue  waters  of 
the  Mediterranean,  whipped  her  gold  bronze  curls 
into  her  laughing  eyes,  whence  she  shook  them  free ; 
and  lifted  the  silken  folds  of  her  snow  white  dra- 
peries, till  they  snapped  smartly  about  her  tiny,  san- 
daled feet  and  slender  ankles. 

She  turned,  both  hands  clasped  to  her  wind-tossed 
locks  and  called  gayly  to  her  companions. 

"Sluggards,  heavy-footed  ones!"  she  mocked. 
''  What  is  it  that  weights  your  steps?  Calanthe  out- 
strips you  all;  and  despite  the  strong  breezes  and 
the  hills  to  climb,  is  not  a  bit  the  worse  for  breath. 
Come,  come,  vie  with  her  fleetness,  lest  she  call  you 
old  —  and  that  before  you  have  found  your  life- 
mates!  " 

A  slender  maid,  whose  sleek,  jet-black  head  was 
closely  bound  with  golden  fillet,  darted  up  the  slope 
in  pursuit.  With  gay,  little  outbursts  of  mirth  the 
remaining  four  gave  chase.  Beauty,  grace,  gayety, 
and  the  unbridled  spirit  of  happy  youth,  on  the  green 

36 


HE  WHO  COVETS  37j 

hills  outside  Syracuse,  while  below,  in  the  heart  of 
the  city,  craft,  hatred  and  the  shedding  of  blood  ruled 
supreme. 

"  Calanthe,  do  not  be  so  willing,  nay  anxious  to 
be  rid  of  us,  on  this,  one  of  the  last  days  of  your 
freedom, "  gasped  Eunice,  the  leader  of  the  pursuing 
band,  grasping  the  flying  folds  of  her  companion's 
tunic. 

With  a  little  shout  of  dismay,  the  fleet  Calanthe 
tripped  and  fell  to  the  green  sward.  Her  maids 
swooped  down  upon  her  and  held  her  prisoner,  while 
she  pleaded  in  vain. 

"  Always  do  those  filled  with  conceit  tumble  to 
earth,  before  they  have  soared  too  high,  sweet,"  cen- 
sured Eunice,  pressing  close  a  tiny  red  garland  that 
encircled  the  brow  of  the  captured  one. 

"  And  now  that  you  have  tasted  the  dust,  we  will 
set  you  free,  on  the  sole  account  that,  in  so  short  a 
time,  you  will  be  bound  for  always  and  never  again 
taste  freedom !  "  chaffed  another. 

"  Who  speaks  of  freedom  and  those  bound?  "  in- 
dignantly demanded  the  tortured  one.  "  'Tis  but 
the  lack  of  that  same  prison  cell  and  those  iron  chains, 
that  tips  your  tongues  with  smarting  language. 
Who  would  not  be  bound  in  the  arms  of  him  who  is 
beautiful  and  beloved  by  all  the  city?  Who  would 
not  inhabit  a  cell,  with  a  lover  whose  voice  is  liquid 
music,  whose  eyes  are  fiery  pools  with  wondrous 
depths  to  be  sounded?  " 


38  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

Flinging  her  rose  garland  into  the  face  of  the  open- 
mouthed  Eunice,  Calanthe  sprang  from  the  ring  of 
admiring  maids  and  darted  toward  her  mother's 
garden. 

Down  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  a  figure,  lean  but 
squat,  with  helmet  and  breastplate  catching  the  low- 
slant  rays  of  a  late  sun  and  red-striped  mantle  wrap- 
ping its  ill-shaped  knotty  legs  in  obedience  to  the 
wind,  plodded  its  upward  path. 

With  the  grim,  sardonic  persistence  that  character- 
ized all  his  acts,  Dionysius  was  in  pursuit.  Men  of 
state,  his  hirelings,  awaited  to  thresh  out  the  ways 
and  means  to  a  throne  —  the  overthrow  of  a  popu- 
lace —  ruled  city, —  the  introduction  of  a  crown. 
And  he,  whose  brow  the  crown  was  to  grace,  gasped 
and  fought  for  breath,  as  he  pursued,  uphill,  the 
lithe,  fascinating  form  of  a  Grecian  maid. 

The  ascent  accomplished,  he  leaned  upon  the  stone 
gate  and  surveyed  the  roof-tops  of  the  city  he  had 
just  left.  With  a  sudden  victorious  gesture,  laden 
with  vindictiveness,  he  flung  aloft  his  right  arm  and 
extended  it,  as  in  a  sort  of  benediction,  toward  Syra- 
cuse —  a  benediction  that  was  grooved  with  curses ; 
then  he  turned,  and,  with  a  slight  pressure,  swung 
in  the  gate  and  stepped  into  the  garden  of  Arria, 
mother  of  Calanthe. 

Treading  a  graveled  path,  brilliantly  bordered 
with  a  variety  of  blooms,  Dionysius  came  upon  a 
shaded,  green-carpeted  grove  of  silver  birch  trees. 


HE  WHO  COVETS  39 

~In  the  center,  a  fountain  of  shell-pink  marble,  flecked 
with  gray  held  crystal  clear  waters,  that  reflected 
the  slender,  white  tree  trunks.  And  around  the 
basin  sported  Calanthe  and  her  maids. 

"  It  is  not  fitting  that  we  be  so  joyous  and  without 
sacred  calm,  having  but  just  come  from  the  temple, 
where  we  offered  sacrifice  to  insure  your  happiness  in 
coming  marriage,"  expostulated  Eunice,  suddenly 
dropping  to  the  ground  in  sedate  determination. 

'  You  talk  as  though  my  marriage  were  but  the 
approach  to  my  tomb !  "  pouted  Calanthe.  "  I  will 
not  have  it  so.  My  heart  is  brimful  of  joy  and  hope 
and  my  head  abuzz  with  divine  ideas  of  what  happi- 
ness will  be  mine.  Come,  let  us  dance!  Come, 
Eunice !  See,  I  plead  so  prettily,  dear  one." 

Thus  cajoled,  Eunice  sprang  to  her  feet  and  lifted 
her  slender  arms  above  her  head. 

"  This  time  it  shall  be  the  dance  of  lilies,*'  she 
ordained.  "  Pure,  cold,  sedate,  like  a  sheaf  of  the 
blossoms  themselves.  Gather  some  to  be  borne  on 
our  arms  —  a  symbol  of  our  chastened  spirits." 

"  No  —  not  lilies,"  objected  Calanthe.  "They 
are  beauteous  blooms  for  altar  or  casket  —  But  for 
love !  For  love,  sweet  Eunice,  there  must  be  roses ; 
pink  and  creamy  yellow,  for  the  love  that  not  yet  has 
flamed;  but  red,  crimson-red  for  a  love  like  mine. 
Is  it  not  so,  my  maids,  that  the  red,  red  rose  betokens 
love?" 

"It    is    indeed!"    interposed    a    rasping    voice. 


40  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

"  But  who  has  brought  such  worldly  knowledge  to 
so  sweet  an  innocent  as  Calanthe  ?  " 

Eunice,  in  sudden  fright,  dropped  her  perfumed 
burden  of  pink  and  crimson  and  darted  to  Calanthe's 
side.  With  a  harsh  laugh  Dionysius,  a  jarring,  in- 
congruous note  in  the  gay  garden,  stepped  into  view. 
One  by  one  the  other  maids  shrank  behind  the  trem- 
bling figure  of  their  leader. 

u  Why  this  fright?  Why  this  fleeing  as  from  a 
monster?  I  was  but  looking  on,  in  profound  ad- 
miration of  your  dancing." 

Dionysius  for  whom  men  sold  their  souls,  whose 
raised  hand  in  battle  drove  hordes  of  brave  soldiers 
to  their  deaths,  was  plainly  aggrieved  at  the  uncon- 
cealed horror  in  the  pretty  eyes  of  the  huddled  group 
before  him. 

Her  first  dismay  allayed,  Calanthe  woke  to  the 
realization  that  before  her  stood  her  lover's  general. 
She  knew  the  utter  awe  in  which  this  man  was  held. 
She  felt  that  if  she  were  to  help  Pythias  at  all,  her 
first  duty  was  not  to  offend  his  superior.  Taking 
Eunice  by  the  hand,  she  pulled  her  forward. 

"  Look  you,  Eunice,  'tis  Dionysius,  the  overlord  of 
our  army!  "  ("  My  Pythias  "  was  trembling  on  her 
lips,  but  with  a  sudden  burst  of  diplomacy  she  substi- 
tuted "  our  army.")  "  It  is  an  honor  to  be  visited 
in  our  little  garden,  by  one  whose  name  rings  through 
the  streets  of  Syracuse!  " 

With  a  sudden,  forced  humility,  the  maids  bent 


Universal  Film  Manufacturing  Co. 

CALANTHE   AND    HER    MAIDS. 


Universal  Film  Manufacturing  Co. 

"OH,    MY    PYTHIAS.    YOU    WILL    NOT    GO?' 


HE  WHO  COVETS  41 

low  before  the  armored  figure.  Then,  as  silently, 
rose  to  their  feet  and  stood  grave  and  abashed. 
The  warlord  took  off  his  helmet.  A  stray  shaft  of 
sunlight  fell  on  his  head,  accentuating  the  hollows 
under  the  high  cheekbones,  the  sunken,  gimlet  eyes 
and  the  knotted  tautness  of  the  mouth  corners. 

"  It  is  not  thus  that  I  would  see  you,"  he  observed. 
"  So  suddenly  has  the  light  gone  from  your  eyes  and 
the  laughter  from  your  lips.  Be  gay  again  and  let 
me  feast  my  weary  eyes  on  the  grace  of  your  steps 
and  the  music  of  your  mirth.  Will  you  not  bid  me 
be  seated,  fair  Calanthe?  " 

"  In  this  grove  we  have  not  a  bench,  my  lord,  but 
if  the  fountain  edge  will — " 

"  The  fountain  edge  shall  be  my  seat.  And  you 
will  sit  beside  me?  " 

Calanthe  twisted  her  pretty  hands  in  sudden  ter- 
ror. Half  unconsciously  she  fell  back  a  step  toward 
Eunice,  who  was  looking  on,  resentment  plainly 
graven  on  her  lovely  face.  This  intruder!  What 
right  had  he  to  invade  the  privacy  of  a  maid's  gar- 
den? A  warlord  in  pursuit  of  a  dancing  gazelle! 
Indeed  it  was  a  strange  combination  and  not  at  all 
to  her  liking.  She  went  forward  and  slipped  an  arm 
about  Calanthe's  waist. 

"  Do  you  know  when  first  I  saw  you,  Calanthe?  " 
questioned  Dionysius,  an  amused  gleam  transforming 
the  cold  steel  of  his  eyes.  "  'Twas  but  a  half  hour 
since,  outside  the  entrance  to  the  Academy.  Grave 


42  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

affairs  of  state  were  weighing  on  my  shoulders. 
Senators  stood  by  to  beg  my  indulgence  and  ask  ad- 
vice. A  parcel  of  fools,  not  yet  convinced  of  my 
supremacy,  were  about  to  be  convinced  by  means 
best  known  to  my  satellites,  when  suddenly  there 
burst  upon  my  vision  a  dream  of  loveliness  and  youth 
—  yourself,  Calanthe!  " 

Eunice's  hold  tightened  about  the  slender  waist  of 
her  loved  companion.  Calanthe,  a  sullen  crimson 
spreading,  as  spilled  blood,  under  the  velvet  white- 
ness of  her  flesh,  closed  and  opened  her  hands  con- 
vulsively. Dionysius  laughed. 

"  Think  you  'tis  often  that  generals  of  invincible 
armies  push  to  one  side  the  powerful  ones  and  pursue 
to  mountaintops  a  tiny  maid,  unused  to  the  life  and 
gayeties  of  cities?  " 

Calanthe  dropped  in  a  quivering,  disconcerted 
heap,  at  his  feet.  With  a  sudden  gesture  he  stooped 
and  lifted  her  by  her  little  icy  hands. 

"  Do  not  hide  your  beauty,  sweet  one,"  he  be- 
sought; not  restrained  by  his  openmouthed  audience 
of  awestruck  maidens.  "  It  has  ne'er  been  my  good 
fortune  to  look  upon  such  rounded  damask  cheeks, 
such  snowy  shoulders  or  such  luscious  lips.  From 
whence  comes  your  wondrous  loveliness,  Calanthe?  " 

"  Oh,  my  lord,  you  do  but  joke  with  me."  Calan- 
the's  voice  was  choked  with  fear  and  indignation. 
"  I  am  but  a  poor  subject  for  your  brilliant  speeches; 
and  for  beauty  I  am  badly  off.  Why,  the  face  of 


HE  WHO  COVETS  43 

jiny  of  my  maids,  reflected  in  this  fountain,  casts  to 
the  heavens   a   far  more  glorious  image  than  my 


own." 


"  It  is  not  true,"  murmured  the  overlord,  pressing 
too  closely  her  imprisoned  hands.  "  Your  fingertips 
are  chilled,  child.  I  would  cast  a  wager  they  were 
not  so  before  my  approach.  Come,  look  into  my 
eyes  with  those  violet  orbs  that  drew  me  hither. 
Have  no  fear.  All  my  power  fades  before  your 
glance  and  my  stern  will  shall  be  clay  to  your  pretty 
fingers.  Come,  look!  " 

With  an  intimate  gesture,  Dionysius  tilted  up  the 
dimpled  chin  and  smiled  into  the  frightened  face. 
Calanthe  broke  from  his  grasp  and  turned  as  if  to 
flee. 

Suddenly  came  thoughts  of  Pythias,  resplendent 
in  war  regalia,  strong,  erect,  beautiful  as  the  sunlit 
day.  This  man  was  his  overlord.  If  he  wished  to 
confer  favors,  he,  and  he  alone,  held  the  power  to 
do  so.  If  he  wished  to  overwhelm  and  disgrace,  he 
had  but  to  raise  a  finger. 

A  poor  helpmeet  would  she  be  for  her  lover,  if  at 
the  first  distaste,  she  escape  the  mighty  one  and  thus 
destroy  his  chances,  when  their  relationship  should 
be  discovered. 

"  Your  pretty  words  are  overwhelming,"  she  said. 
"  And  my  poor  brain  is  stunned  with  the  honor. 
Pray  let  us  converse  on  other  matters,  for  the  mo- 
ment, till  I  get  back  my  calm  of  everyday  existence. 


44  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

Think  you  that  there  will  be  more  battle  to  call  our 
army  again  to  the  front?  " 

"Battle?  Army?  What  coarse  words  to  issue 
from  the  velvet  lips  of  a  sweet  flower  like  yourself ! 
What  know  you  of  battles  and  armies,  tender  one? 
Your  converse  should  be  of  butterflies  and  blossoms, 
of  sunshine  and  sweets.  Speak  not  again  of  battle. 
The  clash  of  swords  is  a  memory  that  grates  my  ears, 
when  I  am  seated  here  in  your  perfumed  paradise. 
What  do  you  know  of  battle,  child?  " 

"  Alas,  but  little !  I  would  know  more,  but  no 
one  will  speak  to  me  of  it.  It  would  be  wonderful 
to  see  the  fire  of  men's  spirits  as  they  dash  into  the 
fray.  To  hear  the  dull  roar  of  trampling  hoofs  and 
chariot  wheels.  ,To  note  the  blood-red  quivering 
nostrils  of  the  steeds,  urged  into  the  thick  of  the  fight- 
ing; and  the  harsh  clang  of  sword  on  shield,  when  it 
fails  to  penetrate.  It  mounts  to  my  brain  like  wine 
—  and  it  is  just  the  imagining  of  my  foolishness/' 

Dionysius  glanced  through  half-shut  lids.  His 
under  lip  was  caught  in  sudden  misgiving,  lending  his 
face  the  expression  of  a  swooping  hawk. 

u  That  is  not  the  imagining  of  either  a  foolish,  or 
an  adroit,  mind.  You  have  been  spoken  to  by  a  sol- 
dier who  has  seen  battle.  Your  soul  has  caught  the 
war-fire  from  his.  Was  it  the  spark  of  love  that 
performed  the  ignition?  Who  was  he  who  inspired 
you?" 

"  Your  surmise  is  incorrect,  my  lord.     But  often 


HE  WHO  COVETS  45; 

have  I  heard  my  elders  speak  of  ancestors  great  in 
battle.  The  spirit  is  in  the  sons  of  our  family,  from 
their  sires,  and  grandsires.  But  I,  alas,  a  girl,  can 
share  none  of  it  and  sit,  an  alien,  on  the  outside  rank, 
to  listen  —  and  that  is  all." 

"  I  think  there  is  something  secreted  from  me. 
In  that  tender  breast  is  locked  a  something  I  am 
ignorant  of." 

Dionysius  clamped  his  pointed  chin  between  a 
nervous  thumb  and  forefinger.  It  was  a  gesture 
well  known  to  his  associates  and  feared  by  his  under- 
lings. 

"  But  since  you  ask  of  present  battle  news  and  the 
possibility  of  our  army  being  again  called  forth,  fair 
Calanthe,  I  will  say  that  I  know  not  what  conditions 
are  at  Agrigentum.  For  days  past,  my  ambitions 
have  been  resting  here,  in  Syracuse.  By  nightfall, 
however,  there  should  be  word.  Now  come,  enough 
of  this  grave  talk.  Your  snowy  brow  is  furrowed 
and  your  cheek  is  faded  ashen.  If  you  would 
please  me,  dance.  Entrance  me,  as  you  did  when, 
unseen,  I  saw  your  golden  sandals  flashing  in  the 
dying  sun,  as  you  lifted  your  rosy  feet  in  gay  meas- 
ures. Dance,  Calanthe  —  dance  for  me  —  and  en- 
thrall me!" 

"  Dance  with  your  love  roses,"  whispered  Eunice. 
"  The  aged  fool  need  not  know  that  they  signify 
the  twined  hearts  of  Pythias  and  you.  Dance  for 
him,  with  the  love  of  Pythias  shrouding  your  soul; 


46  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

and  the  mountain  of  conceit  will  take  unto  himself 
the  radiance  of  your  glance." 

"  I  will!  "  agreed  Calanthe,  bounding  to  her  feet 
and  gathering  with  a  wild  suddenness  the  scattered 
garlands. 

For  a  moment  she  poised  on  the  tips  of  her  toes, 
arms  thrown  aloft,  twined  with  crimson  blooms. 
Her  head  thrown  back,  revealed  the  perfect  line  of 
throat  melting  into  bosom.  Dionysius  watched  with 
greedy  eyes. 

As  the  dance  grew  more  and  more  violent  he 
leaned  forward,  from  the  fountain  edge,  his  thin 
lips  compressed  and  twitching  at  the  corners,  his 
eyes  narrowed  and  pierced  by  a  lustful  gleam,  his 
nostrils  dilating  and  contracting  spasmodically. 

Faster  and  faster  spun  Calanthe,  till  she  was  but 
a  blur  of  silken  whiteness,  gold  and  crimson.  Then, 
in  a  final  burst  of  abandon,  she  flung  far  the  scarlet 
garland  and  fell  to  earth,  a  panting,  radiant,  laugh- 
ing sprite. 

For  the  space  of  a  second  Dionysius  sat  motion- 
less, while  a  dull  flood  of  color  surged  under  his 
sallow  skin  and  sought  his  temples.  There  it 
pounded  at  his  brain  until  his  breath  came  in  quick, 
hot  gasps.  Uttering  a  sound  half  triumph,  half 
goulishness,  he  snatched  the  pulsing  Calanthe  from 
the  ground,  pinioned  her  in  a  vise-like  grip  and  fas- 
tened his  dry,  burning  lips  to  her  mouth. 

Eunice  and  the  maids  gasped  in  horror  to  see  their 


HE  WHO  COVETS  47 

mistress  so  assailed;  yet  made  no  advance  to  rescue 
her  from  the  arms  of  the  vandal. 

Calanthe  needed  no  aid.  At  first  contact  her  heart 
had  stood  still  in  her  breast.  Then  the  sickening 
terror  of  it  gave  her  strength,  superhuman  strength, 
and  she  fought  and  kicked  and  bit  her  way  to  free- 
dom. 

Once  out  of  his  grasp,  outraged,  quivering  with 
anger,  she  raised  her  hand  and  cut  him  sharply  across 
the  mouth. 

"  Now  go !  "  she  commanded,  imperious  in  her 
fury.  "  Warlord,  general,  commander  of  men,  that 
you  are,  you  have  for  once  stepped  too  far.  Leave 
this  garden  and  do  not  enter  it  again,  whether  there 
be  pretext  or  whether  there  be  none.  Go !  " 

Dionysius  bent  to  take  his  helmet  from  the  foun- 
tain edge,  his  eyes  still  fastened  on  the  indignant 
maid  before  him.  As  if  in  insolent  retort,  he  pulled 
down  one  corner  of  his  purpling  mouth  and  laughed. 
It  curdled  the  blood  of  his  victim,  but  she  stood, 
taut  and  defiant,  her  hand  still  indicating  the  white 
stone  gate. 

And  a  moment  later,  through  this  same  gate, 
slouched  Dionysius,  the  warlord  of  Syracuse,  to  be 
greeted  by  Damocles  and  Philistius,  who  had  come 
in  search  of  him,  alarmed  at  his  long  absence. 

"  What  has  kept  you,  Dionysius?  "  queried  Philis- 
tius, a  hint  of  petulance  in  his  tone.  "  There  were 
several  awaiting  you  at  the  house  of  Damocles,  to 


48  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

discuss,  in  serious  vein,  that  which  you  so  keenly  de- 
sire —  and  you  came  not." 

"  Hold,"  muttered  the  general.  "  I  have  been 
much  worried  and  distressed.  I  — " 

He  cast  a  crafty  look  back  over  his  shoulder, 
where  could  be  dimly  seen  a  white-robed,  closely 
huddled  group,  through  the  silver  birches. 

Philistius  followed  the  look  and  grinned.  Damo- 
cles, unknowing  and  slow  to  comprehend,  looked 
from  one  to  the  other  in  blank  bewilderment. 

"What  is  this  secret  understanding?  This  ex- 
change of  shoulder-shrugs  and  lifted  eyebrows?  Is 
there  that  afloat  that  would  not  interest  me  ?  " 

Philistius  pointed  expressively  to  the  distant  gar- 
den and  tapped  Dionysius  on  the  shoulder. 

"  There  must  be  other  maids  as  fair,"  he  sug- 
gested significantly.  "  For  this  one  is  the  property 
of  none  other  than  our  famed  Pythias.  Calanthe, 
daughter  of  Arria  and  betrothed  of  Pythias,  to  whom 
she  is  plighted  to  take  the  marriage  vow  a  fortnight 
from  to-morrow." 

Damocles  awoke  from  his  nebulous  condition. 

"  Knew  you  it  not?  "  he  asked,  in  bland  and  child- 
like manner;  "all  Syracuse  has  known.  He  is  in- 
deed a  lucky  warrior,  to  attain  a  bosom  flower  as 
fair  as  she.  Hal  And  so  you  thought  she'd  be 
enamored  of  your  charms  and  flutter  to  your  em- 
brace?" 

"  Enough    of   this    insensate    jesting,"    croaked 


HE  WHO  COVETS  49 

Dionysius.  "  A  man  may  view  a  maid  without 
thoughts  of  theft  or  of  wedding  feast.  She  is  but  a 
pretty  child.  Let  us  proceed.  The  descent  will  not 
tax  the  breath,  as  did  the  mounting." 

But  in  his  brain  the  persistent  taunt,  "  The  be- 
trothed of  Pythias !  "  drove  him  to  madness,  till  he 
thought  aloud: 

"  So  'tis  from  him  she  absorbed  the  fire  of  war. 
It  was  he  who  filled  her  pretty  head  with  battle 
tales.  Pythias!  Forsooth  it  will  bear  looking 
into.  That  Pythias  should  possess  what  Dionysius 
covets!  It  will  indeed  bear  looking  into!  " 


CHAPTER  V. 

OUT   OF   THE   WAY 

A  SLAVE  swung  back  the  heavy  folds  of  pur- 
ple velvet  that  concealed  the  portal  of  the 
inner  courtyard.  From  afar,  the  roar  of 
voices,  broken  now  and  again  by  blatant  trumpeting, 
rumbled  into  the  silence  of  the  dwelling  of  Diony- 
sius.  The  slave,  black  ebony  limbs  rigid,  thin  arms 
folded  stiffly,  stood  in  silence,  awaiting  his  master. 
In  the  polished  marble  floor  the  sheen  of  his  flesh 
was  reflected.  From  countless  polished  urns  of  brass 
and  silver  it  was  thrown  back  at  him. 

A  sound  from  without  caused  him  to  shiver 
slightly.  The  next  instant  the  purple  folds  behind 
him  parted  and  Dionysius,  followed  by  Damocles, 
strode  into  the  room. 

"Have  ye  not  progressed?"  Damocles  was  ask- 
ing with  some  asperity.  "  We  have  attained  the 
vantage  ground  whence  your  broad  view  may  take  a 
boundless  prospect.  Is  it  not  enough  to  report  for 
so  short  a  period  of  labor?  " 

Dionysius  swung  upon  him  viciously. 

"  So  short  a  period  of  labor!  I  have  labored  all 
the  years  that  have  been  mine.  I  have  labored  from 

50 


OUT  OF  THE  WAY  51 

my  infancy.  I  shall  labor  to  my  grave.  When 
others  sleep,  I  plan.  When  others  play,  I  dream. 
And  my  dreams  merge  into  plans  —  and  my  plans 
into  realities.  But  the  striving  for  greater  and  still 
greater  rewards  in  life  has  sapped  the  life  blood 
from  my  arteries  and  dried  the  energies  I  once  pos- 
sessed." 

'  Think,  when  downcast,  of  the  day  when  the 
great  reward  shall  come,"  urged  Damocles,  stretch- 
ing his  length  upon  a  gaudy  silken  couch,  brave  in 
gold  trappings  and  fringes.  "  Think  of  the  time, 
when  borne  through  the  city's  streets,  in  your  regal 
chariot,  the  populace  shall  hail  you  — " 

Dionysius  leaped  forward  and  laid  a  forbidding 
hand  over  the  mouth  of  the  speaker. 

"  S-h-h !  "  he  hissed,  glancing  from  side  to  side 
and  behind  him,  at  the  draped  portals.  "  Who  may 
not  hear,  when  least  it  is  expected  ?  The  word  itself 
has  never  crossed  my  lips,  nor  shall  it  till  the  day 
when  it  is  no  more  a  matter  of  conjecture." 

As  he  whispered  the  last  words  his  glance  fell 
upon  the  African  slave  standing  motionless  inside 
the  portal.  Amazed,  his  eyes  wandered  from  the 
huge,  broad-toed  feet,  flattened  on  the  marble  floor, 
to  the  head,  bound  in  folds  of  green  and  crimson 
silks. 

The  expression  that  distorted  his  features  was  first 
one  of  nameless  terror  that  broadened  into  baffled 
rage.  With  a  mighty  oath  he  strode  toward  the 


£2  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

stiffened  figure  and  tore  from  its  head  the  soft,  glis- 
tening mass  of  silk.  As  if  unfurling  a  banner,  he 
whipped  it  against  the  air,  till  not  a  fold  remained; 
then  with  twitching,  uncertain  fingers  tore  it  to  shreds 
and  cast  it  to  the  floor. 

The  slave  remained  motionless.  Not  a  ripple  of 
the  ebony  flesh  greeted  this  maniacal  outburst. 
Dionysius,  feet  spread,  arteries  on  neck  and  temples 
swelled  to  bursting,  stood  before  him,  choking  out  a 
torrent  of  words. 

"  What  mean  you,  black  scum  that  you  are,  by  de- 
fying my  commands  of  the  manner  of  clothing  your 
body?  Have  I  not  often  said  that  I  wish  no  orna- 
mentation, no  superfluous  display  of  silken  stuffs, 
no  —  ?  Bah !  Of  what  use  to  spend  the  energy  I  so 
sadly  need  upon  the  crass  stupidity  of  a  slave  born 
without  the  means  of  thinking!  Begone!  And 
bring  a  bowl,  full,  double  spiced  and  heated  through, 
that  Damocles  and  I  may  forget  your  transgres- 
sions! " 

As  the  velvet  folds  fell  behind  the  retreating  slave, 
Dionysius  sank  into  a  cushioned  seat  and  dropped 
his  head  upon  a  trembling  hand.  Twice  he  started 
to  speak,  then  hesitated,  as  if  not  knowing  in  just 
what  terms  to  couch  his  explanation. 

Damocles,  half-raised  on  one  fat  elbow,  watched 
him  with  the  keenness  of  an  obese  hawk. 

"  Why  this  sudden  passion  vented  upon  an  of- 
fenseless  slave?"  he  asked  at  length.  "  Is  it  that 


OUT  OF  THE  WAY  53 

your  tense  control  must  snap,  to  send  relief  to  your 
worried  brain?  " 

To  the  half-buried  sting  in  the  words  of  compas- 
sion, Dionysius  paid  no  heed.  But  he  gave  answer 
to  the  direct  question. 

"  I  ask  no  clemency  or  indulgence.  I  require 
none.  When  once  this  brain  and  self-control  of 
mine  shall  snap,  as  some  frail  glass  stem,  then  will 
the  workings  of  my  heart  be  still  and  the  breath  no 
longer  ooze  from  my  lungs.  Nay!  I  ask  no  relief. 
But  I  demand  obedience  and  it  is  one  of  my  uncom- 
promising rules  that  no  attendant  about  my  dwelling 
shall  wear  draperies  that  might  act  as  nests  of  con- 
cealment." 

"  Nests  of  concealment!"  echoed  the  amazed 
Damocles.  "What  is  your  meaning,  Dionysius?" 

An  utter  silence  followed.  Damocles  with  curi- 
osity writ  large  upon  his  fat-joweled,  blue-red  counte- 
nance looked  through,  rather  than  at  him.  Diony- 
sius' brows  were  shirred  into  a  hundred  creases,  his 
lips  so  tightly  clamped  together,  that  they  radiated 
blue-white  lines  that  ate  into  his  cheeks. 

At  last  he  spoke : 

''  These  are  the  days  when  a  man  who  is  ambitious 
protects  his  life  by  warding  off  what  might  come,  not 
that  which  is  already  here." 

'  You  mean  — "  gasped  Damocles,  rising  in  sudden 
horror  from  the  couch. 

"  Just  that,"  agreed  Dionysius;  "  but  look  not  so 


54  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

perturbed.  My  fears  cannot  jeopardize  your 
safety,  my  friend." 

"  But  here,  you  fear?  Here,  within  the  walls  of 
your  own  dwelling,  you  dare  not  trust  the  hands  that 
serve  you?  " 

"  Fear  always  the  nearest  hand,  regardless  of  the 
body  to  which  it  may  be  fastened,"  warned  the  over- 
lord grimly.  "  Remember  the  dagger  point  will  find 
its  mark,  only  when  drawn  at  a  close  angle.  Ah,  the 
bowl!  And  the  scent  of  spices  touches  my  nostrils 
with  a  pleasing  sting." 

Silently  the  slave  drew  an  onyx  pedestal  before 
the  couch  of  Damocles  and  placed  thereon  a  steaming 
tankard.  From  side  stands  of  ivory  and  pearl,  he 
took  two  goblets  of  beaten  silver  and  dipped  them 
into  the  hot  liquid,  presenting  the  first  to  Damocles, 
the  remaining  one  to  his  master. 

Dionysius  placed  a  cupped  hand  on  either  side  of 
the  goblet  and  raised  it,  at  arm's  length,  above  his 
head. 

"  In  this  draught  we  drown  all  our  fears  and  worri- 
some imaginings,"  he  proposed,  "  and  from  its  stim- 
ulus, shall  be  born  the  undaunted  knowledge  of  fu- 
ture triumph  —  a  future  not  far  distant,  I  swear 
it!" 

With  heads  erect,  elbows  at  right  angles  to  their 
bodies  and  hands  flattened  against  the  goblet  sides, 
the  two  men  drank. 

But   hardly   had  the   first  gulp   gladdened  their 


OUT  OF  THE  WAY  55 

throats,  when  sounds  of  an  altercation,  outside  the 
portal,  arose,  above  the  distant  clamor  of  the  crowded 
streets.  The  voices  of  slaves  and  pages  raised  in 
protest  were  drowned  by  the  resonant  commands 
of  one  of  higher  culture.  Nearer  and  nearer  came 
the  violent  group,  until  the  purple  velvet  hanging 
was  swayed  to  and  fro  in  answer  to  the  physical 
struggle  that  was  taking  place  on  the  other  side. 

With  a  mighty  wrench  the  hanging  was  torn  from 
its  fastenings  and  a  cluster  of  mauling,  viciously  hos- 
tile men,  fell  over  the  threshold. 

From  the  kicking,  thumping  mass,  one  man  de- 
tached himself.  With  a  triumphant  cry  he  headed 
for  Dionysius,  followed  by  the  howling  attendants. 
Breathless,  scratched  and  bleeding,  he  fell  at  th,e 
feet  of  the  warlord  and  extended  a  strip  of  parch- 
ment. 

At  sight  of  the  bruised,  exhausted  stranger,  Diony- 
sius fell  back  a  step  or  two,  until  he  found  support 
against  the  jellylike  anatomy  of  Damocles.  As  the 
intruder  remained  silent  and  still  kneeling,  Dionysius 
flung  aloft  his  right  arm,  in  wrath. 

"  What  is  this  ?  "  he  asked  his  vassals,  his  voice 
high  pitched  in  anger.  "  Has  this  household  of 
mine  suddenly  become  like  a  thing  gone  mad?  Are 
my  commands  not  to  be  obeyed  —  nay,  even  are  they 
to  be  ignored?  Speak  up,  one  or  all,  I  wish  to  hear 
your  miserable  excuses.  Then  shall  I  say  what  I 
shall  say !  " 


56  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

"  My  lord,  we  did  protest!  "  one  piping  voice  tes- 
tified with  all  the  vehemence  born  of  a  severely 
bruised  nose. 

"  Aye,  protest!  And  your  protests,  six  in  all,  did 
not  quell  the  protest  of  this  one  stranger.  Monu- 
ments of  strength  have  I,  to  protect  the  gateways  of 
my  home !  Who  is  this  man  ?  " 

"  A  messenger  from  Agrigentum,"  gasped  the 
stranger.  "  Spent  with  travel,  but  with  news  of 
grave  importance  and  requests,  my  lord." 

Urgently  he  pressed  the  parchment  into  the  hands 
of  Dionysius.  But  the  fingers  did  not  open  to  re- 
ceive it.  Instead,  the  kneeling  figure  was  waived 
again  into  the  clutch  of  the  waiting  slaves. 

'*  Take  him  from  my  presence  and  strip  him  to 
his  dust-bitten  hide !  "  directed  Dionysius.  "  When 
he  has  had  complete  change  of  clothing,  bring  him 
to  me.  Then  will  I  peruse  the  messages  from 
Agrigentum." 

Through  a  half  draped  doorway,  to  the  left  of 
the  inner  courtyard,  could  be  seen  the  band  of  slaves 
ripping  the  armor  and  clothing  from  the  body  of 
the  exhausted  messenger.  His  flesh,  gray-white, 
where  exposed,  was  separated  in  well  defined  sec- 
tions from  the  purity  of  the  sheltered  stretches  of 
skin.  There  were  ridges  dull  scarlet  and  inflamed, 
alternating  with  grooves  deep  cut,  from  the  tightened 
straps  and  trappings  he  had  worn. 

Dionysius   looked   on,   perturbed;   Damocles,   as 


i  Universal  film  Manufacturing  Co. 

LYING    UNDER    THE     SHADIEST    TREES    WAS    CALANTHE,    ATTENDED 
BY   HER   MAIDS. 


OUT  OF  THE  WAY  57 

though  he  were  witnessing  a  performance  arranged 
for  his  exclusive  amusement.  Dionysius  broke  the 
silence. 

"  All  the  day,  yes,  and  for  days  past,  have  I  known 
that  summons  from  Agrigentum  must  come.  A 
strange  certainty  of  disaster  has  hovered  about  me, 
till  I  welcomed  the  night  to  close  my  eyes,  if  not  my 
brain,  to  its  insistent  whisperings." 

"  The  news  may  be  of  the  best,"  quoth  Damocles, 
comfortably  yawning  behind  his  pudgy,  over-ringed 
hand.  "  You  are  unnecessarily  disturbed." 

"If  his  tidings  were  of  the  best,  think  you  this 
man,  lacking  food,  dirty,  and  exhausted,  would  break 
into  my  presence  and  pant  out  his  need  of  haste? 
No,  there  is  something  needed.  Here  he  comes,  in 
different  garb  and  stripped  of  all  possible  weapons! 
Now  we  shall  learn  the  text  of  the  messages." 

"  My  lord,  conditions  are  grave  indeed  at  Agrigen- 
tum," reported  the  messenger.  "  There  is  immedi- 
ate need  of  additional  armies  and,  most  urgent  of 
all  is  the  necessity  of  a  master  mind  like  yours,  my 
lord,  to  diagram  and  strategize  against  the  Cartha- 
ginians, who  have  but  little  of  the  science  of  war- 
fare's finer  points." 

A  gesture  stilled  the  garrulous  outburst.  Diony- 
sius unrolled  the  parchment  and  let  it  dangle  from 
his  hand.  His  eyes  rapidly  traced  the  scrawled 
characters.  In  the  gravity  of  his  reading,  his  eyes 
receded  deeper  and  deeper  into  his  skull,  until  the 


58  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

overhanging  brows  seemed  to  shelter  mere  cavities. 

"  They  have  need,  indeed !  "  he  exclaimed  to  Dam- 
ocles. "  My  commanders  on  the  field  have  allowed 
early  defeat  to  damper  ardor  and  destroy  the  vision 
of  a  possible  victory.  They  see  gray.  And  I  am 
the  only  one  who  can  bring  the  rose  gleam  through 
the  soddenness.  Yes,  I  must  go.  Although  affairs 
are  fast  approaching  an  important  issue,  I  must  leave 
my  ambition  to  strangers  and  go !  " 

He  sighed  heavily. 

Damocles,  slow  to  thought,  and  ponderous  after 
he  achieved  it,  woke  to  the  situation  and  struck  him 
sharply  on  the  shoulder.  The  triumph  of  having 
solved  a  difficult  dilemma  shone  from  his  small,  sea- 
green  eyes.  He  fairly  beamed  upon  the  general. 

It  was  this  apparently  foundationless  satisfaction 
that  roused  Dionysius  to  vehement  language. 

"  Speak!  "  he  rasped  out.  "  What  is  the  reason 
of  this  widening  grin  and  winking  eye?  Have  you 
but  now  waked  to  the  point  of  a  comic  tale  told 
yesterday,  or  has  the  cup  just  quaffed  touched  fire  to 
your  brain?  " 

Impervious  to  these  sarcastic  shafts,  Damocles 
proceeded  to  unfold  his  plan. 

"  Less  than  an  hour  back,"  he  strove  for  oratorical 
inflection  and  effective  pose,  "  I  heard  you  murmur 
that  if  Pythias,  the  idol  of  Syracuse,  possess  that 
which  Dionysius  covet,  there  would  have  to  be  a 
sudden  turn  in  affairs.  Can  you  see  light  now,  my 


OUT  OF  THE  WAY  59 

Dionysius  ?  A  kind  fate  has  made  to  your  order  the 
very  situation  you  desired  so  fervently." 

"  I  am  rarely  slow  to  comprehension,"  interrupted 
Dionysius  irritably,  "  but  if  you  wish  me  to  grasp 
the  import  of  this  master  stroke  of  yours,  I  fear 
you  must  speak  more  into  my  mind  and  less  out  of 
your  own.  What  is  it  that  you  wish  to  say,  Damo- 
cles? Dress  it  in  few  words  and  those  of  the  plain- 
est. One  always  carries  low-priced  cloth  to  a  poor 
tailor  and  rich  materials  to  the  skilled  one.  So  is  it 
with  language,  my  friend  —  simple  words  to  the  slow 
in  thought.  The  brilliant-minded,  only,  may  juggle 
with  embroidered  phrases !  " 

"  It  is  this,  then,"  Damocles  explained.  "  Why 
go  to  Agrigentum,  when  Pythias  is  here?  He  has 
just  returned  from  wars  in  the  South.  He  is  cov- 
ered with  glory.  His  name  slips  from  the  mouths 
of  the  populace  as  glibly  as  the  names  of  their  gods. 
Moreover  he  holds,  in  the  hollow  of  his  hand,  the 
heart  of  the  fair  Calanthe.  Once  away,  who  knows 
but  that  your  fame  and  that  position  you  are  about 
to  attain  will  win  over  the  maid.  It  is  not  an  im- 
possible thing." 

"  Send  Pythias  to  Agrigentum?  "  meditated  Diony- 
sius. "  If  he  be  killed  in  battle,  well  — " 

"  Well  — "  echoed  Damocles. 

"  It  shall  be  done !  "  decided  the  warlord.  "  Know 
you  where  a  messenger  may  find  Pythias  at  this  mo- 
ment? His  departure  must.be  immediate.  The 


60  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

Carthaginians  have  chilled  the  blood  of  our  bravest. 
Aid  must  go  to  them  before  that  blood  is  too  hope- 
lessly congealed." 

The  messenger  from  Agrigentum  stepped  forward 
to  hear  the  commands  that  were  to  follow. 

"  Pythias  is  at  the  home  of  Arria,  at  this  moment," 
divulged  Damocles,  overinflated  at  the  vital  role  of 
creator  of  ideas  and  informer  of  whereabouts, 
"  Send  the  messenger  direct  and  he  will  be  here  in 
but  few  moments." 

Dionysius  directed  the  messenger. 

"  The  first  house  on  the  hill  that  leads  down  past 
the  Academy  Square.  There  is  a  grove  of  silver 
birch  at  the  end  of  a  flowered  walk,"  he  added,  and 
then  railed  at  his  own  stupidity. 

"  And  now  that  all  is  settled  so  wisely  and  so  well, 
may  we  not  quaff  in  peace,  and  let  the  liquid  coat 
our  stomachs  with  cheer  and  our  brains  with  wit?  " 
There  was  a  plaintive  plea  in  Damocles'  request. 
An  unquaffed  bowl  was  tragedy  sufficient  to  cast  down 
his  spirits  for  the  week. 

Deaf  to  the  entreaty,  Dionysius  walked  out  upon 
his  balustrade  and  gazed  aloft,  where  on  a  strip  of 
white  road,  indistinct  in  the  dusk,  a  single  horseman 
urged  his  steed  ahead.  It  was  the  messenger  from 
Agrigentum.  Dionysius  strangled  the  chuckle  that 
gurgled  in  his  throat. 

In  an  onyx-paved  hall,  with  pillars  of  green  mot- 


OUT  OF  THE  WAY  61 

tied  marble,  blazed  ten  torches  in  bronze  bowls.  The 
apartment  thus  vividly  lighted,  reflected  a  myriad  of 
gleams  in  the  translucency  of  its  flooring. 

Calanthe,  in  brilliant  yellow  tunic,  sat  on  a  low- 
cushioned  bench,  her  slender  fingers  threading  the 
golden  curls  of  Pythias,  who  was  seated  at  her  feet. 
Standing  above  them,  his  purple-banded  toga  show- 
ing dead  black  arid  white  in  the  torchlight,  was 
Damon.  With  arms  folded  loosely  across  his  broad 
chest,  his  face  wreathed  in  smiles  that  breathed  a 
benediction  upon  the  young  lovers,  he  stood,  witness 
to  their  happiness. 

"  A  fortnight  is  too  short  a  time  is  it  not,  Da- 
mon?" Calanthe  pouted  prettily  and  looked  up 
into  the  fine,  gentle  face  of  her  lover's  friend. 

"  A  fortnight  is  a  lifetime,  lived  twice,"  supple- 
mented Pythias,  eagerly.  "  You,  who  have  found 
such  profound  and  lasting  happiness  in  wedlock,  must 
tell  her  so,  Damon.  The  fickle  maid  would  hold  me 
distant  many  months  I  doubt  not  —  if  I  should  so 
allow.  Ah,  my  sweet,  know  you  not  that  life  is  too 
short  a  term  in  which  to  crowd  the  rapture  of  a 
perfect  love  ?  And  Youth  —  that  which  blesses  you 
and  me  at  this  moment,  on  the  morrow,  or  the  mor- 
row after  that,  will  take  wing  and  never  more  re- 
turn. A  fortnight  is  — " 

The  irregular  hoofbeats  of  a  tired  steed  drifted 
in  to  them,  through  the  white-and-gold  draperies. 
Pythias  jumped  to  his  feet. 


62  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

'Tis  the  sound  of  a  horse  that  is  goaded  to 
hot  speed,"  he  exclaimed,  running  to  the  draped  bal- 
cony that  overlooked  the  entrance  path.  "  He  stops 
here!  A  man  alights!  Are  you  expecting  mes- 
sages of  importance,  Damon,  that  they  seek  you  out 
here?" 

"  I  am  expecting  nothing,"  replied  the  statesman. 
"  The  messages  I  have  this  day  received  have 
weighed  my  heart  with  lead  —  all  save  one.  If  the 
messenger  is  seeking  me,  it  is  an  unexpected  sum- 


mons." 


The  curtains  shrouding  the  entrance  to  the  outer 
vestibule  parted  and  Eunice  ran  to  Calanthe's  side. 

"  There  is,  outside,  a  handsome  messenger. 
Though  wan  and  worn  of  feature,  yet  his  form  is 
superb  and  like  unto  a  — " 

4  Whom  does  he  seek?"  interrupted  Damon, 
smiling  indulgently  upon  the  maid's  glowing  descrip- 
tion. 

Eunice's  face  was  suffused  with  tender  blushes. 

"  Had  you  not  asked,  sir,  I  would  have  neglected 
to  say.  It  is  Pythias  he  seeks.  He  begs  admit- 


tance." 


"  Pythias !  "  Calanthe  darted  to  her  feet  and  ran 
into  the  protecting  circle  of  her  loved  one's  arm. 
"  But  why  —  why  does  he  seek  Pythias,  at  this 
hour?" 

"  Let  us  have  him  in.  That  is  the  shortest  way  to 
discern  why,"  suggested  Damon. 


OUT  OF  THE  WAY  63 

In  an  instant  the  messenger  stood  upon  the 
threshold.  His  seamed  face  was  lit  by  the  fires  of 
an  undying  patriotism.  He  knelt  before  the  giant 
warrior. 

"  I  have  come  to  summon  you  to  Dionysius,  who 
in  turn  was  importuned  by  our  generals  at  Agrigen- 
tum.  We  have  need  of  a  master  mind  there.  We 
have  need  of  a  steel-clad  courage.  Dionysius  awaits 
you  at  his  dwelling.  I  should  not,  perhaps,  have  de- 
livered the  message.  I  may  incur  his  wrath  that  it 
came  from  other  lips  than  his  own." 

"  He  will  indeed  be  wrathful,"  interposed  Damon, 
smiling  in  derision.  "  On  a  slimmer  excuse  than 
that,  can  our  Dionysius  vent  his  spleen.  It  is  the 
training  for  his  throne  in  Syracuse,  eh,  Pythias?  " 

"  I  know  not  if  that  be  true,  my  Damon.  Diony- 
sius is  revered  on  the  battlefield,  his  — " 

*  Yea,  he  is  revered  when  his  countenance  is 
turned  to  the  revering  ones.  But  let  the  back  of  his 
head  smile  upon  them,  and  lo,  the  rumble  of  choked 
curses  rises  to  wound  the  ears.  He  has  lived  for 
self  alone.  He  has  sacrificed  his  friends,  his  honor, 
his  home,  upon  the  altar  of  a  boundless  ambition  for 
place  and  for  power.  He  does  pollute  the  air  he 
breathes !  " 

Pythias  raised  a  protesting  palm. 

"  A  true  knight  should  ever  wear  the  armor  of 
truth  and  the  shield  of  virtue;  against  which  the 
shafts  of  vice  and  falsehood  cannot  prevail.  Diony- 


64  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

sius  has  ever  inspired  me  to  brave  deeds  —  he  is  the 
model  and  I  the  —  Calanthe,  sweet,  why  do  you 
cling  to  me  so  tremblingly?  And  are  these  tremors 
that  shake  your  slender  body?  Speak,  dear  one! 
What  has  affrighted  you?  " 

"  War!  "  gasped  the  maiden.  "  Oh,  my  Pythias, 
you  will  not  go  —  you  will  not !  Promise  me  you 
will  not  go!  " 

"Not  go,  light  of  my  heart!  You  have  heard 
the  command  from  the  overlord.  I  am  but  a  sol- 
dier. I  obey." 

"  But  he  —  he  — "  she  faltered. 

"He?  What?  Calanthe.  Speak  not  in 
snatches,  I  pray  you,  dear.  My  time  is  short.  I 
must  accompany  the  messenger  and  receive  my  or- 
ders." 

"  No,  no,  a  thousand  times  no  1  You  shall  not 
go,  my  Pythias.  Would  you  leave  me  here  to  eat 
my  heart  out,  alone  and  unprotected?  " 

"  Nay,"  corrected  her  lover,  smiling  with  deep 
and  trusting  affection  into  the  eyes  of  Damon.  "  Not 
unprotected.  For  while  Damon  lives  are  you  safe 
and  furnished  with  a  protector,  far  more  capable 
than  I.  It  will  be  but  another  link  in  the  golden 
chain  that  binds  us." 

"  But  if  you  —  if  there  should  happen  so  terrible 
a  thing  that  I  might  see  you  nevermore?  If  you 
should  not  return !  " 

Torn  with  hysterical  weeping  and  the  panic  of 


OUT  OF  THE  WAY  65 

parting,  Calanthe  sank  to  the  floor  at  her  lover's  feet. 
Pythias  bent  and  drew  her  into  his  arms. 

u  Sweet  one,  you  are  the  core  of  life  to  me.  There 
is  no  thought  of  one  save  you  and  never  shall  be. 
This  is  not  fitting  a  soldier's  mate.  When  the  call 
to  battle  comes,  he  must  attend.  He  must  close  the 
tender  by-ways  of  his  heart  and  live  only  in  his  mind. 
Come,  smile  for  me,  my  Calanthe." 

"If  you  should  not  return!  "  sobbed  the  maid, 
still  clinging  to  him  in  terror. 

Damon  walked  to  a  low  stone  table  on  which  grew 
a  pot  of  myrtle.  Snapping  a  slender  sprig  of  it,  he 
turned  and  approached  Pythias. 

With  right  arm  extended,  elbow  straightened  and 
fingers  closed  he  laid  the  bit  of  green  in  Pythias' 
palm. 

"  See,  Calanthe,"  he  lifted  the  drooping  head  of 
the  grief-stricken  girl  and  pointed  to  the  symbol. 
"  He  will  return.  And  his  eyes  shall  search  the 
horizon  for  the  sight  of  your  lovely  face  and  the 
wonder  of  your  greeting.  He  will  return." 

Pythias  released  her  and  grasped,  with  both  of 
his,  the  hand  of  his  loved  friend. 

"  You  will  be  her  protection  when  I  am  not  here 
to  see  ?  It  were  absurd  to  ask  it  —  so  completely 
will  you  watch  over  her,  e'en  without  my  bidding. 
I  have  but  two  words  more  to  say:  f  Caution! '  and 
'farewell!'" 

He  gathered  the  sobshaken  figure  of  Calanthe  in 


66  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

his  arms,  kissed  her  pale  forehead,  her  tear-washed 
lids  and  tender  mouth,  then  strode  from  the  room, 
followed  by  the  messenger. 

Out  on  the  moonlit  balcony,  a  silken  yellow  tunic 
gleamed  —  a  spot  of  gold  in  the  clear  whiteness  of 
the  night.  And  when  the  dark  spots  that  were 
horses  and  their  riders  were  swallowed  by  the  black 
shadows  of  Syracuse  a  prostrate,  weeping  girl  hid 
her  eyes  in  her  hands,  to  shut  out  the  radiance  of  the 
moon. 


CHAPTER  VI 

THE    VISIONS 

THE  mountain  slope,  overlooking  the  sun- 
kissed  Mediterranean,  was  bathed  in  the 
full  glow  of  midday.  The  breeze,  toss- 
ing the  treetops,  turned  the  silver  undersides  of  the 
dull-green  foliage  to  the  skies.  Birds,  strange  yel- 
low and  black  striped,  preened  on  the  upper  branches. 
As  the  wind  veered  about  from  time  to  time,  zeph- 
yrs, laden  with  the  odors  of  orange  and  olive  blos- 
soms, were  borne  to  the  sea. 

Far  off  the  blue  expanse  was  flecked  with  white, 
and  here  and  there  moved  a  vessel  that  gave  the 
appearance  of  a  huge  centipede  pushing  itself 
through  the  water  —  the  war  triremes,  propelled  by 
three  banks  of  oarsmen. 

Far  up  the  mountain  side,  lying  under  the  hugest, 
shadiest  tree,  was  Calanthe,  attended  by  her  maids. 
On  the  ground  was  spread  a  cloth  of  blue  worked  in 
silver,  and  laid  thereon  were  silver  dishes,  filled  with 
fruits  and  sweets. 

But  Calanthe  heeded  them  not.  Her  gaze  was 
fastened  on  the  line  where  distant  waters  met  a  still 
more  distant  sky.  A  trireme  worked,  swiftly,  into 

67 


68  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

her  line  of  vision.     She  shuddered  and  again  hid  her 
head  in  her  arms. 

"  What  is  it  that  has  brought  fresh  sorrow  to  your 
eyes,  dear  one?"  Eunice  bent  above  her  mistress 
and  placed  a  protecting  arm  about  the  white  shoul- 
ders. 4  You  must  not  allow  this  utter  submission  to 
grief.  It  has  fed  upon  your  cheek  till,  even  now, 
you  look  a  shadow  of  the  maid  who  bade  her  lover 
farewell.  What  is  this  fresh  sorrow?  " 

'  The  trireme !  "  Calanthe  jumped  to  her  feet 
and  clenched  her  trembling  hands.  "  I  hate  the 
thing  that  brings  the  thought  of  war!  That  vessel, 
propelled  by  near  two  hundred  men,  bent  on  destruc- 
tion of  life,  floats  upon  the  calm  bosom  of  my  fair 
Mediterranean  and  blots  the  picture.  Ah,  that  I 
should  have  the  cruel  fate  of  loving  one  whose  duty 
it  is  to  fly  into, peril  at  his  country's  command!  " 

"  It  is  wondrous  to  be  the  bride  of  a  soldier-gen- 
eral !  "  urged  Eunice.  "  What  maid  but  would  covet 
the  honor?  And  with  one  as  beautiful  and  strong 
as  your  Pythias!  Calanthe,  you  do  not  thank  the 
gods  sufficiently  for  the  marvels  they  have  be- 
stowed." 

'The  gods!"  the  bitterness  in  the  exclamation 
shocked  the  ^istening  maids  to  silence.  "  I  am  a 
human  and  my  heart  cries  out  for  its  loved  one.  I 
am  miserable  —  miserable  and  afraid !  It  is  of  no 
use  to  beseech  the  gods  to  send  me  my  happiness. 
It  was  they  who  snatched  it  from  me !  " 


THE  VISIONS  69 

"  Calanthe !  "  breathed  Eunice,  awestruck  by  the 
seeming  sacrilege.  "  You  must  not  speak  so,  or  as 
punishment  it  may  happen  that  Pythias  will  not  re- 
turn." 

At  thought  of  this  terrible  possibility  Calanthe 
was  again  plunged  into  the  deepest  grief.  Face 
down  on  the  green  sward,  she  wept  her  heart  out, 
while  her  maids  one  and  all  tried  to  devise  some 
means  of  solace. 

"  Come  romp  through  the  groves  with  me,"  be- 
seeched  Eunice,  lifting  the  bronze-gold  head  to  her 
shoulder.  "  We  will  give  chase  to  humming  birds 
and  gather  the  blooms  from  which  they've  sipped. 
And  you  have  tasted  not  one  of  the  almond  sweets 
that  Artullo  prepared  for  you,  with  such  loving  care, 
this  morn." 

"  Ah,  Eunice,  my  faithful  companion,  I  care  not 
for  sweets.  When  the  heart  is  hungry,  there  is  no 
hunger  elsewhere.  I  •  am  a  sorry  comrade  since 
Pythias  went  away;  if  I  were  but  strongly  willed,  I 
would  control  my  sadness  and  refrain  from  darken- 
ing your  existence.  Love  plays  strange  pranks. 
Come,  dear,  I'll  try  to  do  better.  Moaning  will  not 
make  him  return  earlier  than  he  is  able  to.  We'll 
stroll  through  the  woodlands  and  see  which  of 
us  is  most  apt  at  duplicating  the  call  of  the  strange 
birds,  which  have  lately  flown  hither  from  the 
South." 

"  You  will  be,  of  course,"  declared  one  of  the 


70  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

maidens,  enthusiastically,  "  you  are  always  most  apt, 
no  matter  what  we  attempt." 

"  Follow  me!  "  called  Calanthe  gayly,  "  an  extra 
portion  of  sweets  to  her  who  first  lays  hand  on  my 
tunic  folds.  Follow !  " 

Down  the  slope  sped  the  fleet-footed  girl.  On 
and  on  —  catching  at  tree  trunks  to  aid  her  balance 
in  slippery  places,  and  turning  once  or  twice  to  wave 
a  tantalizing  hand  at  her  pursuers.  At  the  foot  of 
the  hill  where  the  huge,  flat  rocks  jutted  out  into 
the  sea,  she  waited,  till  they  had  gained  her  side. 

With  arms  outspread,  her  face  flushed  from  vio- 
lent exercise,  her  background  the  sapphire  blue  of 
the  Mediterranean,  she  presented  an  entrancing  pic- 
ture. 

"If  Pythias  could  see  you  now!"  exclaimed 
Eunice,  bounding  toward  her.  '  You  are  so  beau- 
tiful that  way,  sweet.  Not  since  the  day  your  lover 
left,  have  I  seen  the  crimson  in  your  cheek  and  the 
sparkle  in  your  eyes.  Is  she  not  beautiful?  " 

Eunice  turned  and  consulted  the  little  band  of 
stragglers.  One  by  one  they  knelt  in  mock  obeisance 
and  chanted: 

"  She  is  indeed  a  queen  of  beauty!  " 

"  I  will  not  be  chaffed,"  pouted  the  reigning  one. 
"Look!  Beyond  the  third  huge  tree  whose  leaves 
are  rimmed  with  scarlet !  What  is  that  yawning  hole 
—  that  wicked  looking  cavity  of  blackness?  " 


THE  VISIONS  71 

The  maids  looked,  with  fear,  from  one  to  the 
other.  None  volunteered  the  answer  to  Calanthe's 
question.  Struck  by  the  sudden  silence  she  searched 
the  face  of  her  companions. 

"Why  do  you  not  answer?"  she  demanded  im- 
periously. "  What  is  there  about  that  strange  and 
unalluring  place  that  I  may  not  know?  Is  it  the 
abode  of  a  wicked  one  or — " 

Eunice  was  the  first  to  speak. 

"  We  must  not  speak  of  things  profane,  to  you, 
Calanthe.  That  is  the  cave  of  Galatea,  the  dwell- 
ing place  of  Hecati,  the  witch,  who  professes  to 
know  most  things,  aye,  even  more  than  the  gods 
themselves.  She  is  shunnned  by  those  who  live  an 
upright  life.  Only  the  corrupt  and  cruel  consult  her 
ill-smelling  flames  and  magic  waters,  to  find  out  how 
best  to  thwart  their  foes." 

"  And  knows  she  all  things,  as  she  professes  to 
do?  "  inquired  Calanthe  with  warm  interest.  "  Can 
she  speak  of  things  that  concern  the  planets  and  has 
she  sight  to  see  a  hundred  leagues  and  tell  what  is 
happening  there?  " 

u  All  that  and  more  they  say  she  does,"  acknowl- 
edge Eunice  reluctantly.  "  But  it  is  not  for  you  to 
show  interest  in  a  vile  person  of  this  sort.  Come, 
let  us  away  from  the  neighborhood  of  her  cave.  I 
shudder  at  its  nearness." 

"  I  shall  enter  it!  "  announced  Calanthe. 


72  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

"What!"  shrieked  the  chorus  of  maidens. 
"  Calanthe,  daughter  of  Arria,  enter  the  cave  of 
Hecati?" 

"  You  must  not,"  was  Eunice's  stern  command. 
'*  We,  your  maids,  are  responsible  for  your  safe- 
keeping. I  will  not  allow  it." 

"  4  Allow  J !  'Tis  a  strange  word  from  maid  to 
mistress.  I  shall  do  as  I  have  said.  Let  not  the 
question  of  permission  enter  into  it.  Am  I  not  staid 
enough  to  wed,  when  my  lord  returns  from  the  wars? 
If  so,  then  am  I  capable  of  entering  the  cave  of  He- 
cati and  of  coming  out  unharmed." 

"  What  madness  is  this?  "  wailed  Eunice  in  great 
distress.  "  If  she  were  human,  yes.  But  she  is 
strange,  misshapen  and  vile  in  tongue.  You  must 
not!" 

"  She  is  an  oracle,  consulted  by  many  older  and 
wiser  than  I  am  and  for  far  less  vital  reasons.  I, 
too,  would  know  of  things  to  which  the  vision  of  my 
young  eyes  is  closed.  I  would  know  if  — " 

"  You  must  not!  See,  at  your  feet,  dear  one,  I 
plead,  Calanthe!  Have  wisdom!  Do  not  do  this 
thing!" 

The  violet  eyes  looked  down  into  the  troubled 
black  ones.  The  obstinate  light  that  had  glit- 
tered but  a  moment  before  faded  into  softness  and 
was  submerged  in  tears.  Impulsively  Calanthe 
dropped  to  her  knees  and  placed  her  arms  in  a  close 
embrace,  about  the  shoulders  of  the  suppliant  girl. 


THE  VISIONS  73 

"  List  to  me,  Eunice,"  she  began  sadly.  "  A  mo- 
ment since  when  I  leaped  down  the  mountainside 
and  bade  you  follow,  it  was  not  from  lightness  of 
heart  or  any  desire  to  take  up  again  the  sports  of 
youth  that  I  have  so  completely  dropped.  'Twas 
but  because  I  knew  I  had  made  your  life  dreary 
since  my  Pythias  bade  me  farewell.  The  doubt  of 
his  safety,  the  possibility  that  he  may  not  escape  the 
enemy's  sword,  is  driving  me  to  madness !  I  can 
bear  it  no  longer.  You  would  not  have  me  torn  with 
torture,  would  you?  " 

"  I  would  lay  down  this  poor  life  of  mine  to  save 
you  but  an  instant's  dread,"  said  Eunice  simply.  "  I 
serve  not  because  it  is  my  station,  but  because  the 
dictates  of  my  heart  make  me  cling  to  you,  sweet  mis* 


tress." 


"  I  know  it  well.  Then  let  me  go,  Eunice.  And 
you  keep  watch  above  the  entrance,  so  if  harm 
threatens  I  may  warn  you.  I  go  to  consult  sibyl's 
fires  and  look  into  the  depth  of  her  charmed  pools, 
in  hope  of  having  visions  of  my  loved  one,  my  val- 
iant Pythias." 

"  Tread  softly  that  you  rouse  not  her  ire,"  cau- 
tioned Eunice.  "  If  her  mood  be  queer  she  will  drive 
us  all  away." 

With  wary  step  the  six  young  maids  approached 
the  cave  of  Hecati.  The  mouth  of  the  cavern  was 
such  as  must  have  sheltered  a  dragon  that  belched 
flame  and  blazing  cinders,  in  some  prehistoric  time. 


74  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

A  step  inside  the  outer  edge  and  all  was  inky  black- 
ness. 

Quivering  with  excitement  and  admiration  of  their 
mistress'  daring  the  five  attendants  crouched  on  the 
ground  above  the  overhanging  rock.  Calanthe, 
alone,  made  the  descent. 

Grasping  the  rough  edges  of  the  jagged  rocks 
with  her  slender  well-kept  hands,  she  found  footing 
among  the  knotted  roots  that  made  a  difficult  ap- 
proach. A  final  leap  brought  her  to  the  entrance 
itself  and  for  a  moment  she  stood  there,  the  warm 
rays  of  the  sun  shining  on  her  right,  the  dank  odors 
of  the  depths  rising  on  her  left. 

Waving  a  courageous  farewell  to  Eunice,  whose 
pretty  face  bent  over  the  rock  edge,  Calanthe  stepped 
further  into  the  gloom.  At  first  there  was  just  black- 
ness and  no  sight  of  living  thing.  She  seemed  to  be 
enveloped  in  a  raw  moisture  that  cut  to  her  bone 
marrow  and  paralyzed  her  courage.  Something 
thudded  awkwardly  against  her  sandals.  In  fright 
she  darted  back  to  the  entrance  and  found  'twas  but  a 
cumbersome  turtle  trying  to  make  room  for  her. 

"  I  shall  learn  nothing,"  she  told  herself  sternly, 
"  if  my  bravery  is  vanquished  by  so  small  a  thing. 
I  wonder  would  it  be  best  to  summon  her  above.  It 
is  strange  there  are  no  hints  of  lights,  if  there  are 
fires.  It  is  strange  that  she  herself  would  not  come 
forward  to  — " 

At  the  very  moment  a  click  of  blunted  wood,  fall- 


THE  VISIONS  75 

ing  on  the  slippery  surfaces  of  stone,  smote  her  ears. 
Taking  shape  from  the  gloom,  emerged  a  figure, 
shrouded  in  rags  and  topped  by  a  mass  of  matted 
hair. 

The  head  too  large  for  the  body  and  elongated 
by  a  sharpened  chin,  wagged  uncertainly  from  side 
to  side,  as  if  hung  on  wires  without  anchorage.  The 
face,  of  olive  complexion  on  one  cheek  and  smooth 
as  that  of  Eunice's  own,  was  florid  blond  and  choked 
with  warts  and  moles  on  the  other. 

When  she  stood,  her  back  bore  resemblance  to 
a  twig  that  had  snapped  in  the  bending.  When  she 
walked,  the  looseness  of  her  joints  gave  her  the 
weird  effect  of  being  saved  from  utter  disintegra- 
tion by  the  stout  branch  upon  which  she  leaned  her 
weight. 

"  Hast  come  to  me  for  aid?"  The  stentorian 
tones,  heavier  in  caliber  than  those  of  the  most  power- 
ful orator,  caused  Calanthe  to  shrink  against  the 
slimy  walls  of  the  inner  cave. 

"  You  are  Hecati?  "  she  breathed  in  sudden  ter- 
ror. 

"  I  am  Hecati,  who  bringeth  light  when  darkness 
reigns,  who  lifteth  veils  and  shows  the  scenes  be- 
yond. I  am  Hecati  who  is  sought  by  the  states- 
man that  he  may  know  the  will  of  the  fickle  people ; 
by  the  trembling  maid  that  she  may  discover  the 
inner  thoughts  of  him  whom  she  adores;  by  the  sol- 
dier who  sets  forth  to  battle  and  seeks  to  know  if 


76  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

again  he  shall  cross  the  threshold  of  his  own  court- 
yard." 

4  Your  uncanny  wisdom  is  the  marvel  of  Syra- 
cuse," faltered  Calanthe.  "  I  have  come  to  seek 
knowledge.  Will  you  give  me  aid  ?" 

Hecati  turned,  with  much  difficulty,  and  led  the 
way.  Down  a  flight  of  rough  hewn  steps,  slippery 
with  mold,  she  shuffled.  At  the  bottom  she  held 
aloft  a  torch.  It  flared  on  a  cave  room,  empty,  save 
for  a  bench,  a  dying  fire,  and,  in  the  center,  a  wide, 
shallow  basin  supported  on  iron  standards. 

A  cold  slippery  something  dropped  from  above 
and  clung  to  Calanthe's  shoulder  buckle.  She 
screamed  wildly  and  strove  to  find  the  steps  again. 

4  What  fright  at  a  harmless  lizard !  "  scorned 
Hecati,  removing  the  dreaded  reptile.  "  My  cave 
is  filled  with  strange  creatures  that  I  have  made  my 
pets.  Seat  yourself  on  yonder  bench  and  we  will 
consult  the  enchanted  waters." 

A  dark,  loosely-shaped  mass  lumbered  from  a  cor- 
ner, advanced  a  short  distance  and  settled,  queerly, 
into  a  hunched  ball. 

"  That!  That  thing!  It  moves!  I  must  go  — 
let  me  mount  above !  I  am  stifled  with  fear !  " 

"  That  is  but  an  humble  octopus  that  one  day  I 
rescued  from  the  buffeting  waves  and  have  since 
sheltered  in  my  abode.  See  how  limply  he  casts  his 
tentacles  about  and  fuses  them  in  his  lumped  body. 
Note  how  he  lifts  his  weight  to  a  height  and  then 


THE  VISIONS  77 

thumps  forward,  moving  the  same  distance  each 
time.  That  is  the  way  he  walks.  Do  not  fear  him, 
for,  although  he  could  fasten  one  of  those  eight  arms 
about  your  slender  neck,  and  crush  the  breath  from 
your  lungs,  he  will  not  do  so,  unless  you  display 
fear." 

Calanthe  sat,  huddled  in  loathing  and  constant  ter- 
ror of  a  slimy  attack  from  one  or  the  other  of  these 
strange  creatures. 

"  If  it  please-  you,  we  will  consult  the  enchanted 
water  on  the  instant,  that  I  may  again  mount  to  the 
pure  air  and  sunshine,"  she  begged  piteously. 

:t  Tell  me  not  of  your  mission,"  commanded 
Hecati.  "  I  will  tell  it  you,  in  all  its  detail.  You 
are  Calanthe,  betrothed  of  Pythias,  who  has  been 
sent  to  war  by  the  tyrant  Dionysius,  who  hopes  that 
he  may  meet  a  violent  death." 

"  I  knew  it !  I  was  sure  of  it !  "  cried  Calanthe. 
'*  The  heaviness  of  my  heart  and  the  bewilderment 
in  my  brain,  both  spoke  of  death.  Tell  me  it  will 
not  be !  Tell  me !  "  Her  voice  rose  to  an  hysteri- 
cal screech  and  echoed  wildly  through  the  hollow 
cave. 

"  Do  not  interrupt  me !  "  Hecati's  inflection  was 
harsh  and  biting.  "  Dionysius  himself  is  enamored 
of  you.  By  sending  Pythias  to  almost  certain  death, 
he  strives  to  obtain  you  for  his  own !  " 

"  And  I  have  come  to  ask  you,  O  Hecati,  to  look 
into  the  magic  waters  and  consult  the  mystic  flames, 


78  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

that  you  may  convey  to  me  news  of  my  loved  one's 
absence.  If  he  be  safe?  When  his  return?  Look 
into  the  waters,  O  sibyl,  and  tell  me  what  is  there !  " 

Hecati  seized  Calanthe's  wrist  in  a  viselike  grip. 
Step  by  step,  murmuring  strange  incantations,  she 
led  her  to  the  shallow  basin  in  the  center  of  the  cave. 
With  her  right  hand  she  brandished  aloft  a  blazing 
torch  and  slowly  lowered  it  to  within  a  finger's  length 
of  the  water's  surface. 

Suddenly  there  was  born,  in  the  depths  of  the  pool, 
a  sullen,  red  glow  that  spread  until  it  had  laid  a  vivid 
background. 

Hecati  dropped  the  torch.  Across  the  basin's 
width,  she  seized  the  hands  of  Calanthe  and  held 
them  in  a  grip  that  would  have  tortured  had  the  in- 
terest been  less  keen. 

Slowly  traced  upon  the  red  appeared  a  vision  of 
battle.  Chariots  dashed  on  and  off  the  scene.  Gen- 
erals standing  erect,  beside  their  charioteers,  gave 
imperious  orders  and  watched  them  carried  out. 
Scaling-ladders  of  wondrous  length  and  stoutness  of 
construction  were  laid  against  high  walls,  and  sol- 
diers, brandishing  shields  and  swords  and  echoing 
hoarse  war  cries,  mounted  them,  only  to  be  cast  to 
earth  by  a  well-aimed  sword-thrust  or  huge  rocks 
thrown  with  deadly  skill. 

In  dread  fascination  Calanthe's  eyes  devoured  the 
scene.  In  vain  she  sought  for  the  stalwart  form 
of  her  own  true  knight.  As  chariot  after  chariot 


THE  VISIONS  79 

moved  across  the  scene  she  eagerly  scanned  the  faces 
—  always  to  be  disappointed. 

Slowly  the  vision  started  to  fade. 

"  That  is  but  a  part  of  what  I  am  able  to  disclose 
to  you,"  the  half-intelligible  words  came  from  the 
sybil's  lips  as  she  again  lifted  the  torch.  "  That 
was  the  battlefield  of  Agrigentum  and  its  walled  fort- 
ress, held  by  the  Carthaginians.  We  will  call  back 
the  vision  and  search  for  Pythias.  The  third  vision 
will  determine  his  ultimate  fate." 

The  torch  crackled  above  the  basin.  Breathless, 
Calanthe  leaned  far  over  the  dark  waters  and  watched 
for  the  red  glow.  This  time  it  spread  more  rap- 
idly. Again  the  steep  wall  with  its  besiegers  —  the 
wild  dashing  to  and  fro  of  mounted  soldiers  —  the 
casting  of  javelins  and  the  closer  fighting  with  sword 
and  shield,  flashed  into  view. 

In  the  distance,  the  funnels  of  smoke  ascending 
from  burning  houses,  the  flight  and  capture  of  ter- 
ror-stricken maids  and  the  sight  of  bodies  ground 
under  vicious  chariot  wheels,  made  the  scene  one  of 
utter  horror  and  sickening  reality. 

With  nails  digging  deep  into  her  rosy  palms, 
Calanthe  searched  the  war-crazed  multitude  for  a 
sight  of  her  lover's  mighty  stature  and  blond  curls. 
A  chariot  driven  with  the  daring  of  a  hundred  furies, 
almost  wholly  obscured  by  the  clouds  of  dust  it  had 
raised,  was  forging  into  the  foreground.  One 
swift  glance  into  those  fearless  eyes  told  Calanthe 


8o  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

she  had  found  her  Pythias.  She  stretched  out  her 
arms !  —  it  was  then  the  picture  faded  to  darkness. 

"  It  was  he !  I  have  looked  upon  his  face !  He 
still  lives!  O  Hecati,  delay  not  an  instant  before 
you  call  forth  the  third  vision.  I  scarce  can  still  the 
awful  thumping  of  my  heart.  It  leaps  and  bounds 
as  if  it  would  escape  the  confines  of  my  breast !  Call 
the  third  vision,  O  marvelous  sybil!  " 

Hecati  took  an  unlighted  torch  from  a  corner  of 
the  cave  and  approached  the  mystic  flames.  At  first 
contact  it  burst  into  a  blaze  and  sent  forth  explosive 
sounds.  Chanting  a  strange  ode,  the  old  witch 
passed  the  burning  brand,  in  three  unbroken  circles, 
around  the  head  of  Calanthe,  then  suspended  it 
above  the  waters.  The  red  was  more  brilliant  now. 
For  a  long  time  the  sheet  of  color  was  unbroken  by 
tracing  of  any  sort.  Then,  slowly,  a  scene  was  born. 

The  first  impression  was  that  of  utter  destruction. 
Bodies  filled  the  grooves  cut  by  chariot  wheels; 
bodies  lay  one  slung  upon  the  other,  lifeless  limbs 
hopelessly  mingled.  Horses  stark,  in  the  death 
sleep,  stretched  taut  hoofs  across  the  forms  of  their 
beloved  masters.  Chariots,  splintered  to  atoms, 
cluttered  the  roads;  and  the  gates  of  the  impregnable 
fortress  lay  battered  from  their  hinges. 

Suddenly  a  spot  of  light  started  to  glow  at  the  fort- 
ress entrance.  Its  brilliance  sent  blinding  rays  to 
light  the  ghastliness  of  the  scene.  A  dark  spot  be- 
gan to  assume  shape  in  the  center  of  the  light.  A 


THE  VISIONS  8 1 

chariot  drawn  by  four  coal-black  steeds  galloped 
into  view. 

Its  sole  occupant,  masterful,  erect,  with  gold  curls 
reflecting  the  radiance  in  the  form  of  a  halo,  flung 
aloft  a  triumphant  hand  and  led  the  procession  of 
victory. 

"  Pythias!  My  Pythias!  Tis  he!  Safe  — 
safe  from  death  —  free  to  return  to  me !  Say  'tis 
true,  that  which  the  vision  discloses.  It  would  not 
play  me  false !  O  Hecati,  your  oath  that  it  would 
not  play  me  false !  " 

There  was  no  answer. 

The  sybil,  still  bent  above  the  silent  waters,  was 
intent  on  the  final  scene.  To  the  joyous  maid's  de- 
lighted eyes  appeared  the  streets  of  Syracuse,  athrong 
with  people,  madly  rioting  to  obtain  a  view  of  what 
was  happening.  Down  the  winding  road  came  the 
same  chariot,  driven  by  the  same  man  and,  amid  the 
wild  enthusiasm,  he  alone  was  calm  as  the  heavens 
echoed  with  the  cries  of: 

"  Pythias!     Triomphe!" 

Hysterical  with  joy,  Calanthe  sought  the  slippery 
steps  and  mounted  to  the  cavern's  mouth. 

44  Eunice!  Eunice!"  her  joyous  call  echoed 
through  the  cave  and  up  the  mountainside.  "  Eunice, 
I  have  seen — " 

A  dark  figure  blocked  her  path !  Standing  against 
the  sunlight,  his  helmet  a  dazzling  expanse  of  metal, 
stood  Dionysius,  a  taunting  smile  disfiguring  his  lips. 


82  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

Calanthe's  former  fear  of  the  tyrant  was  de- 
stroyed. The  victory  in  her  heart  gave  her  an 
exultant  feeling  of  power.  What  had  she  to  fear? 
Her  lover,  alive,  victorious,  coming  soon  to  her  arms ! 
What  terrors  could  fate  now  conceal? 

"  Never  has  the  earth  vomited  forth  so  exquisite 
a  bit  as  now!  "  he  greeted  her  with  exaggerated 
homage.  "  But  why  should  Calanthe,  favored  of 
the  gods,  seek  knowledge  from  the  bowels  of  the 
underground?  What  was't  troubling  her  sweet  im- 
agination? " 

Calanthe  assumed  a  defiant  attitude. 

"  Where  are  my  maids?  "  she  demanded.  "  And 
how  came  you  here?  " 

"  They  were  perched  on  yonder  overhanging  rock, 
but,  at  my  approach,  they  scattered  as  does  the 
frightened  goose-flock  at  my  chariot  wheels.  They 
are  wandering  above.  I  see  the  glimmer  of  their 
robes.  And  as  for  me  —  I  was  but  riding  through 
the  woodland  and  came  upon  this  fair  scene. " 

"  Then  stand  aside  and  permit  me  to  go  to  where 
they  await  me !  " 

"  Why  so  sudden  your  departure?  'Tis  a  pleas- 
ant place  for  converse.  None  could  be  better,  with 
undisturbed  view  of  sea  and  distant  warships. 
When  tempted  to  flight,  fair  Calanthe,  call  to  mind 
that  I  am  overlord;  and  Pythias  my  underling!  You 
wish  him  well?  Why  interrupt  his  chances  of  a 
certain,  future  supremacy?" 


THE  VISIONS  83 

All  the  pent-up  anger,  whipped  to  a  frantic  mad- 
ness by  the  sudden  relief  from  agony  and  suspense, 
burst  forth  in  ringing  recrimination. 

"  Speak  not  his  name,  O  cruel  and  double-deal- 
ing tyrant !  Do  I  not  know  that  you  sent  him  to  al- 
most certain  death  at  Agrigentum?  I  have  not 
mentioned  word  of  your  ill-chosen  visit  to  my  gar- 
den. If  I  had  but  breathed  a  word  of  your  vile  at- 
tentions to  either  Pythias  or  Damon  — " 

"  Damon!  "  the  name  hissed  from  the  lips  of  the 
warlord  as  though  it  were  a  drop  of  water  touching  a 
red  hot  surface.  "  What  know  you  of  him?  " 

"What  know  I  of  him?"  Calanthe  raised  her 
brows  in  scorn.  "  He  is  the  trusted  friend  and 
comrade  of  Pythias,  and  my  protector  in  his  ab- 


sence." 


The  general  threw  back  his  head  and  gave  utter- 
ance to  weirdly  mirthful  sounds. 

"Your  protector?  How  is't  that  the  negligent 
Damon  is  not  here,  at  this  moment,  to  protect  you 
from  my  unwelcome  attentions?  " 

"  For  the  reason  that  when  I  wander  in  the  wood- 
lands with  my  maids,  he  does  not  dream  that  there 
exists  a  man  sufficient  coward,  and  vile-spirited,  to 
molest  me !  " 

"  Ha !  The  quick  retort  and  the  vengeance  of  a 
little  vixen!  Your  training  has  been  in  a  good 
school  since  Pythias  set  forth  to  Agrigentum. 
'Twill  be  but  poor  solace  if  it  is  his  death-chilled 


84  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

body  they  bear  back  on  litter  or  martial  shield.  To 
whom  will  you  turn  then,  little  spitfire?  " 

"  'Twill  not  be  necessary  to  turn  to  you,  e'en 
though  your  aid  would  be  forthcoming.  I  fear  me 
not.  Aye,  but  the  gods  have  other  goods  in  store. 
For  the  second  time,  O  Dionysius,  your  plans  will 
not  bear  fruit.  For  in  a  vision  of  enchanted  waters, 
a  source  of  information  that  never  lies,  have  I  viewed 
any  Pythias,  gloriously  triumphant,  hailed  as  king 
among  men,  drive  through  the  streets  of  Syracuse, 
to  the  cheering  of  a  populace  gone  mad !  " 

Waiting  but  an  instant  to  see  the  effect  of  her 
words  eat  into  his  soul,  Calanthe  leaped  from  the 
cavern's  mouth  and  darted  up  the  hill,  calling  blithely 
to  her  maids. 

While,  left  behind,  the  lean  figure  turned  into  the 
black,  ill-smelling  moistures  of  HecatTs  cave  and 
stumbled  below  to  verify  the  vision  of  the  enchanted 
waters. 


CHAPTER  VII 

THE    VICTOR'S   RETURN 

A  FORTNIGHT    later,    fair    Syracuse    had 
donned  her  holiday  attire.     The  too-eager 
warmth  of  the  sun's  rays  were  tempered  to 
balmy  mildness  by  the  sudden,   east  winds.     The 
cloudless,  vivid  blue  of  the  sky  seemed  but  a  reflec- 
tion of  the  sea,  and  it,  in  turn,  sent  back  the  image 
of  the  sky. 

Along  the  Sterian  Way,  the  mansions  of  the  rich 
blazed  with  gold-worked  banners,  unfurled  from 
window  ledges,  and  in  the  heart  of  the  city's  streets, 
the  wine  shops,  jewelers'  dwellings  and  tailors'  es- 
tablishments, ran  riot  with  draperies  of  brilliant 
color. 

Senators,  in  purple-or-red-banded  togas,  were 
stopped  on  their  way  to  the  Senate  House,  to  be 
greeted  ardently  by  those  who,  on  ordinary  occa- 
sions, would  not  dare  to  bend  a  head  in  friendly  salu- 
tation. 

Children,  on  street  corners,  tossed  golden  oranges 
to  each  other,  in  excited  play,  and  were  not  repri- 
manded by  their  elders.  The  tension  of  suppressed 
anticipation  surcharged  the  atmosphere. 

85 


86  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

Up  on  the  hill  that  led  from  the  Academy  Square, 
in  a  grove  of  silver  birch,  beside  a  shell  pink  marble 
fountain,  knelt  Calanthe.  Her  rounded  form  was 
draped  in  silken  folds  of  palest  azure  confined  at 
the  waist  by  a  cestus  of  wrought  silver.  Silver  san- 
dals graced  her  tiny  feet,  and,  at  the  moment,  her 
maids  were  trying  a  variety  of  garlands  in  her 
bronze-gold  locks. 

4  The  forget-me-nots  are  to  my  taste,  fair  one," 
quoth  Eunice,  gazing  with  clasped  hands,  in  rapt  ad- 
miration. '*  They  match  so  well  the  coloring  of 
your  tunic  and  set  at  defiance  the  violet  of  your  eyes." 

"  Forget-me-nots  are  pretty,"  acknowledged  Ca- 
lanthe, bending  forward  to  get  a  better  view  in  the 
fountain  depths,  "  but  they  are  sickly  sentimental. 
Much  as  I've  mourned  my  true  knight's  absence  and 
torn  my  soul  with  agony  in  fear  of  his  safety,  yet  I 
could  not  meet  him,  in  full  gaze  of  the  public,  with 
forget-me-nots  twined  in  my  tresses." 

"  Then  it  must  be  the  star-anemone,"  decreed 
Eunice,  "  for  other  bloom  would  but  destroy  the 
sweet  coloring  of  your  robe.  Think  you  that  from 
all  the  populace  his  glance  will  single  you  out  for  first 
welcome  ?  " 

"  'Tis  what  I  hope,"  breathed  Calanthe  raptur- 
ously. "  Ne'er  has  the  city  been  dressed  in  shades 
more  brilliant;  and  the  wild  buzzing  and  bustling  of 
the  people  to  and  fro  is  fair  entrancing.  Oh,  'tis 
good  to  be  a  maid  who  is  welcoming  to  wedlock  the 


THE  VICTOR'S  RETURN  87 

victor   of   a   hundred  battles   and   the   idol   of  his 
city!" 

"  Hark!  I  hear  the  sound  of  distant  trumpeting. 
In  what  manner  was  Pythias  to  reach  Syracuse? 
Can  it  be  that  he  has  touched  the  shore  ?  "  exclaimed 
Eunice,  running  to  the  pergola  whence  she  could  get 
unobstructed  view  of  the  sea. 

"  He  comes  in  a  Carthaginian  trireme, n  Calanthe 
called  after  her.  "  A  mighty  capture,  which,  even 
before  it  was  ta'en,  he  designated  as  the  vessel  on 
which  he  would  make  his  homeward  trip.  At  the 
shore  he  will  be  met  by  his  war  chariot,  drawn  by 
four  dusky  steeds  of  Arabia.  From  there  he  pro- 
ceeds at  the  head  of  his  conquering  army  through  the 
city's  streets." 

"  He  has  touched  shore  !  I  see  the  flash  of  armor 
in  lines  of  light  and  restive  horses  held  in  check  by 
pages,  all  in  scarlet!"  The  high-pitched  tones, 
fraught  with  restrained  excitement,  floated  back  to 
the  lovely  maid  kneeling  beside  her  fountain.  She 
smiled  at  her  reflection  and  folded  soft  white  hands 
across  her  breast. 

An  excited  Eunice  pulled  her  to  her  feet  and  gave 
the  final  pat  to  the  star-anemone  garland.  A  sheer, 
white  scarf,  dropped  carelessly  upon  the  ground,  she 
draped  over  the  pretty  head  and  shoulders. 

'Tis  the  command  of  your  mother,"  she  told 
Calanthe.  "  She  thinks  it  not  seemly  for  maid,  upon 
her  wedding  eve,  to  walk  in  the  city  streets  so  un- 


88  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

abashed.  And  besides,  conceited  one,  the  shimmer 
of  it  and  the  fact  that  it  half  conceals  your  charms, 
lends  an  added  fascination  to  your  appearance. 
Now  let  us  away  lest  we  lose  our  chosen  location 
from  which  the  view  will  be  the  best." 

On  a  street  corner,  before  the  largest  sweet-and- 
fruit  shop  in  Syracuse,  stood  Damon.  His  arms 
folded  closely  across  his  chest,  his  head  sunk  in  silent 
meditation,  he  was  a  powerful  and  impressive  figure. 

His  gaze  wandered  to  the  scurrying  crowds,  the 
high-spirited  horses  whose  steps  were  curbed  with 
difficulty.  From  this,  he  raised  his  eyes  to  the  Sen- 
ate House,  from  whose  portals,  Philistius,  accom- 
panied by  a  group  of  his  questionable  satellites,  was 
at  that  moment  issuing. 

"  Ah,  Syracuse !  "  he  murmured  sadly.  "  I  am  at 
last  forced  to  despair  of  thee!  Sicily,  land  of  my 
birth  —  my  country  still  —  thou  hast  closed  thine 
ears  to  the  call  of  righteousness  and  fallen  into  the 
hands  of  those  who  would  barter  freedom  for  a  great 
man's  feast !  " 

A  slave,  drunk  with  the  wine  he  had  pilfered  from 
his  master's  cellars,  reeled  against  the  senator  and 
caromed  into  the  roadway.  From  afar  a  blast  of 
trumpets  cut  the  air.  The  sodden  man  raised  aloft 
an  imaginary  goblet  and  shouted  to  the  skies : 

"  Pythias !     Pythias !      Triomphe!  " 

Damon  looked  down  with  gentle  commiseration 


THE  VICTOR'S  RETURN  89 

and  bent  to  lift  the  prostrate  one,  who  was  trying  so 
ineffectually  to  get  to  his  feet. 

"  It  is  for  the  best  that  you  find  the  portals  of 
your  master's  house  as  quickly  as  you  can,"  he  sug- 
gested, trying  to  shake  him  back  to  a  half-normal 
condition.  u  Soon  the  crowds  will  fill  the  streets 
and  byways  and  there  is  small  chance  for  one  like 
you,  when  once  they  start  jostling." 

"Pythias!  Pythias!  Victor!"  reiterated  the 
man,  sullenly,  and  lurched  from  his  rescuer's  grasp 
to  stumble  up  the  street,  toward  the  Temple. 

Now,  from  all  sides,  the  populace  poured  in. 
Esquires,  warriors,  senators  and  merchants;  gay 
women  of  the  city;  and  mothers  bearing  their  chil- 
dren aloft  above  the  heads  of  the  surrounding  crowds. 
They  surged  through  the  thoroughfares,  as  an  im- 
petuous stream  that  is  dammed  will  gush  through 
the  first  available  opening. 

Damon,  silent  and  erect,  his  mind  busy  with  the 
disquieting  rumors  that  were  afoot,  remained  where 
he  had  taken  his  stand.  Jostled  from  side  to  side 
by  the  oncoming  multitude,  his  face  lost  not  its^  calm, 
nor  his  eyes  their  look  of  deep  and  vital  thought. 

The  houses  bordering  the  street  were  points  of 
vantage  for  which  many  fought.  Windows,  doors, 
projecting  roofs  and  porticoes,  all,  were  blocked  with 
groups  of  eager  sightseers.  From  the  temples  is- 
sued dancing  maidens  bearing  long  garlands  wound 
round  and  round  their  graceful  bodies.  The  Senate 


90  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

poured  forth  its  crowd  of  white  togaed  statesmen, 
and,  shrilly,  from  the  crest  of  the  hill,  sounded  the 
blast  that  announced  the  van  of  the  triumphal  pro- 
cession. 

Silhouetted  against  the  blue-gold  horizon,  six  trum- 
peters on  snow-white  steeds  led  the  way.  Ten  paces 
behind,  a  double  row  of  youthful  pages  in  tunics  of 
white  and  gold,  yellow  jewels  on  their  breasts, 
strewed  blossoms  from  urns  carried  in  their  left 
arms. 

Followed  then,  the  line  of  dancing  maidens,  with 
multi-colored  draperies  fluttering  in  the  breeze;  gay 
laughter  issuing  from  their  lips,  as  they  trod  upon 
the  flowerstrewn  path. 

For  a  second's  time  there  was  naught  to  follow. 
Then  above  the  hill  crest  rose  the  snorting  heads  and 
arched  necks  of  four  coal-black  steeds,  heavy  in 
beaten  silver  harness  and  trappings  of  sapphire  blue. 
Bit  by  bit  they  mounted  to  the  horizon  line  and  stood, 
stamping  their  slender  limbs,  in  impatience  to  pro- 
ceed. 

They  drew  a  chariot  of  ivory  and  silver,  that  now 
was  half-hid  by  floral  garlands.  The  helmet  of  the 
man,  sole  occupant  of  the  triumphal  car,  caught  the 
fire  of  the  sun's  rays  and  dazzled  the  eyes  of  the  as- 
sembled multitudes.  Amid  deafening  cheers  and 
hoarse  roars  he  raised  a  commanding  hand  and  ex- 
tended it  toward  his  beWed  city. 

The  crowds,  gone  mad  with  patriotism  and  hero- 


THE  VICTOR'S  RETURN  91 

worship,  waved  banners  and  helmets  in  mid  air. 
The  streets  of  Syracuse  were  rent  with  wild  cries; 
and  suddenly  the  horses,  in  obedience  to  a  tug  at  the 
reins,  began  the  descent. 

Buried  in  the  crowd,  on  the  steps  of  a  monument, 
stood  Calanthe,  her  gauze  veil  folded  around  her 
head  and  shoulders,  her  tense  hands  crossed  and 
gripping  her  own  arms  in  an  ecstasy  of  excitement. 
Her  eyes,  one  moment  darting  smiles,  the  next 
bathed  in  tears  of  joy,  never  left  the  stalwart  form 
of  the  returning  conqueror. 

It  seemed  as  if  she  thought  by  the  intensity  of  her 
gaze  to  draw  his  glance  to  her  slim  form.  Until  his 
chariot  had  passed  her  and  proceeded  further  into 
the  city's  heart  she  had  hoped  for  his  radiant  smile. 
It  had  fallen  about  her,  as  he  greeted  his  welcomers; 
but  not  on  her  alone.  Eunice,  perceiving  her  disap- 
pointment, slipped  her  arm  comfortingly  about  Ca- 
lanthe's  waist. 

"  In  the  great  numbers  he  could  not  find  your  fairy 
form,"  she  whispered.  "  Did  you  see  how  his  eyes 
were  searching?  Whene'er  he  saw  a  group  of  maids 
I  perceived  his  scrutiny  of  them  and  when  he  found 
you  not,  some  of  the  laughter  faded  from  his  eyes." 

"  'Tis  sweet  of  you  so  to  concoct  tales  that  should 
bring  solace  to  my  heart,"  murmured  Calanthe,  turn- 
ing to  leave  the  monument  steps,  "  but  I  saw  those 
things  of  which  you  speak,  not  at  all.  I  saw,  indeed, 
the  laughter  in  his  eyes  and  when  they  fell  on  strange 


92  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

groups  of  maidens,  I  saw  that  same  laughter  rekin- 
dle, instead  of  fade.  Why  should  it  not  be  so? 
Why  should  a  man  whose  path  is  a  fiery  blaze  of 
adulation,  seek  for  one  poor  jasmine  flower,  whose 
fragrance  can  not  surmount  the  fumes  of  incense?  " 

"  Pythias  worships  you,  the  breath  you  draw,  the 
ground  o'er  which  you  trod.  'Tis  wrong  and  faith- 
less of  you  to  so  denounce  him,  when  in  the  midst  of 
thousands,  he  has  not  the  keenness  of  vision  to  dis- 
cover a  single  maid.  When  but  a  few  days  back 
your  eyes  were  dimmed  and  your  cheek  lily-pale,  from 
weeping  at  his  possible  fate,  you  said  that  all  the 
world  through  would  you  laugh,  if  he  but  came  back 
to  you  in  all  his  health  and  strength." 

Calanthe  hid  her  face  on  Eunice's  shoulder  in 
sudden  contrition. 

"  I  know  I  am  ill-deserving  of  happiness,  sweet," 
she  confessed  softly.  "  But  my  heart  was  so  cast 
down,  for  I  had  planned  and  planned  how  it  would 
be;  that  my  eyes  should  meet  his,  across  the  sea  of 
heads,  and  now — " 

"  See  below,  in  front  of  the  Senate  House  he  has 
halted  his  chariot!  There  seems  to  be  a  block  to 
his  further  progress.  Many  people  are  running 
thither,  and  there  are  loud  cries  and  brandishing  of 
shields.  Come,  let  us  go,  Calanthe !  " 

In  front  of  the  Senate  all  was  rioting  and  con- 
fusion. Damon,  assaulted  by  Procles  and  his  com- 


THE  VICTOR'S  RETURN  93 

rades,  as  the  chariot  of  Pythias  approached,  was 
beating  back  his  assailants.  The  surrounding  crowd, 
not  knowing  the  cause  of  the  fray,  stood  open- 
mouthed  and  motionless. 

In  a  flash  Pythias  leaped  from  his  chariot  and 
brandishing  his  sword  plunged  into  the  fighting,  curs- 
ing the  group  surrounding  Damon. 

"  Back  on  your  lives !  "  he  commanded  in  ringing 
tones.  "  Treacherous  cowards  that  you  are,  thus  to 
attack  a  man  unarmed  and  undefended !  You  know 
this  honest  sword  I  brandish.  You  have  seen  it  hew 
down  ranks  in  Carthage.  Would  you  now  taste  its 
cold  steel  in  your  quaking  hearts  ?  For  now  Damon 
has  his  armor  on,  courageous  ones.  /  am  his  shield, 
his  sword,  his  helmet!  And  when  I  thus  protect 
him,  it  is  but  mine  own  heart's  blood  that  I  de- 
fend!" 

Procles  and  his  associates  fell  back  into  the  surg- 
ing, curious  crowds.  Before  the  sword  of  Pythias 
there  was  no  argument. 

"  'Tis  a  lucky  stroke  of  Fate  for  him,  that  at  this 
instant  your  chariot  descended  the  hill,"  muttered 
the  henchman  of  Dionysius.  "  Here,  in  Syracuse, 
we  have  had  enough  of  his  long  robe  of  peace  wherein 
he  wraps  his  stern  philosophy.  See  that  you  teach 
him  better  manners,  O  conquering  hero !  " 

With  harsh  laughs  of  derision  Procles  motioned  to 
his  satellites  to  proceed. 

Thus  left  alone,  Damon  and  Pythias  looked  deep 


94  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

into  each  other's  eyes.  And  with  the  look,  went  the 
clasp  of  hand  so  firm,  so  honest,  so  all-understanding 
of  the  spirit  of  true  friendship. 

"  What  was't  brought  this  display  of  ruffianism?  " 
asked  Pythias,  leading  the  way  to  his  chariot,  through 
the  crowds  of  admiring  citizens. 

'  When  I  was  awaiting  your  approach,  Lucullus 
ran  up  behind  me  and  in  voice  trembling  with  excite- 
ment, broke  the  news  that  our  citadel  was  taken. 
That  Dionysius,  heading  a  troop  of  soldiers,  had,  by 
rude  force,  seized  the  arms  and  treasure  in  it.  I 
could  not  believe  such  base  rumor  and  was  voicing 
my  disbelief,  when  lo!  from  the  fortress  wall  was 
unfurled  the  standard  of  the  tyrant  and  from  the 
gateways  poured  his  most  notorious  satellites,  high- 
heaped  with  arms  and  plunder!  " 

"  Our  citadel  in  that  fierce  soldier's  power !  " 
Pythias  made  a  move  as  if  again  to  draw  his  sword. 
"  Then,  by  the  gods,  is  Syracuse  gone  mad !  " 

Damon  laid  an  affectionate  hand  on  the  broad 
shoulders  of  his  dearest  friend. 

"  Do  not  shade  the  prospect  of  your  joys  with 
griefs  of  state,  my  Pythias.  I  know  that  on  the 
morrow  you  will  wed  the  sweetest  maid  in  Syracuse. 
Your  wedding  day  must  be  but  sunshine  and  roses. 
Let  these  dark  matters  go." 

"  Nay,  how  can  I  let  them  go  when  they  bring  fur- 
rows to  your  brow  and  sighs  to  your  lips  ?  And  be- 
sides, what  caused  Procles  to  draw  sword  against 


THE  VICTOR'S  RETURN  95 

you?     Can  I  be  happy  when  your  life  is  thus  endan- 
gered?" 

"  In  answer  to  my  charge  that  his  master  Dio- 
nysius  was  a  parricide  and  tyrant,  the  audacious  slave 
branded  me  liar  and  traitor  and  gave  commands  to 
his  followers  to  hew  me  down!  " 

"  Dionysius  has  become  a  danger  to  our  city,"  said 
Pythias  slowly.  "  I  have  heard,  on  my  way  home 
from  Agrigentum,  that  the  man  has  gone  so  far  as 
to  wish  a  throne  on  which  to  rest  his  limbs." 

"  He  has  publicly  expressed  his  wish,"  interposed 
Damon  indignantly,  "  and  unless  the  Senate  wake  to 
the  grave  menace  of  this  man,  his  wish  will  be 
granted." 

'  You  are  jesting,  Damon,"  laughed  the  young 
general.  u  Syracuse  ruled  over  by  a  king?  It  is 
preposterous !  Why,  I  would  as  soon  think  of  my- 
self as  candidate,  as  of  him.  His  power  in  the  city 
is  overestimated." 

"  If,  contrary  to  the  rules  of  our  city,  a  soldier 
were  allowed  inside  the  portals  of  our  senate  house, 
I  would  take  you  thither,  to  view  for  yourself  the 
undercurrent  that  now  runs  deep  in  our  affairs  of 
state.  Here  lately  I  have  so  often  wished  that  my 
lot  had  been  the  blest  content  of  private  life.  This 
hopeless  service  of  the  state  galls  me  —  and  I  grow 
old." 

From  behind  the  pillars  of  the  Academy  emerged 
two  forms.  The  one  square  —  squat,  in  armor;  the 


96  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

other  draped  in  purple-banded  toga.  Slowly,  Dio- 
nysius  and  Damocles  descended  the  steps. 

"  Look  you  where  stand  the  two  strange  friends," 
observed  Damocles,  craftily.  "  The  intimacy  be- 
tween Damon  and  Pythias  is  the  marvel  of  Syracuse. 
The  stern,  pedantic  statesman  and  the  young  soldier 
general.  It  is  a  strange  combination  for  a  friend- 
ship such  as  theirs." 

u  Friendship,"  snapped  Dionysius  viciously. 
"  There  is  not  a  state  of  true  friendship  extant. 
Every  man  has  the  price  at  which  to  value  comrade- 
ship. This  pair  is  no  different  from  the  rest." 

"  This  pair  is  the  exception  to  the  rule,  Dio- 
nysius," insisted  Damocles.  "  I  have  heard  it  said 
that—" 

u  Heard !  Heard  I  "  mimicked  the  other.  "  Do 
not  quote  from  the  converse  of  dullards.  You  may 
have  heard,  but  you  do  not  know.  See  the  way  the 
crowds  bow  at  the  feet  of  Pythias  and  cast  glances  of 
idolatry  at  his  effeminate  blond  curls.  We  must  do 
something,  Damocles,  to  lessen  this  fellow's  favor  in 
the  eyes  of  the  rabble." 

"  Can  not  your  brilliant  mind  discover  some  good 
way?" 

Dionysius  shot  a  shrewd  glance  at  his  companion, 
from  under  narrowing  lids. 

"  It  was  you,  Damocles,  who  conceived  of  sending 
Pythias  to  Agrigentum,  in  my  stead.  And  from 
Agrigentum  and  almost  certain  death,  he  has  re- 


H    J 


THE  VICTOR'S  RETURN  97 

turned  triumphant,  and  rivals  me  in  Syracuse!  He 
must  be  submerged  !  I  will  not  have  my  toil  of  years 
go  all  for  naught,  because  a  young  and  foppish  sol- 
dier, with  blond  curls  and  a  pleasing  smile,  has  run 
his  sword  through  a  small  parcel  of  Carthaginians!  " 

'  Think  well,  Dionysius,  and  some  plan  will  come 
to  you." 

"Are  you  speaking  with  sarcastic  shading?" 
rasped  out  the  overlord.  "  I  do  not  like  the  manner 
of  your  inflection.  There  is  no  courtesy  in  your 
tone.  Ah-h-h!" 

He  gripped  the  flabby  forearm  of  the  rotund 
Damocles  in  a  sudden,  vicious  clutch.  A  shaking 
forefinger  designated  the  opposite  side  of  the  road 
where  Calanthe  and  her  maids  sped  to  the  side  of 
Pythias. 

"  There  is  another  reason  why  this  young  warrior 
of  ours  must  be  humbled  to  the  dust !  I  have  sworn 
that  that  maid  shall  find  shelter  in  my  ardent  arms  — 
and  there,  too,  he  blocks  the  way!  " 

"  Can  you  not  send  him  off  to  the  wars  again? 
And  if  there  be  no  war,  can  you  not,  with  your 
wondrous  ingenuity,  stir  up  a  broil  that  might  be 
called  a  war?  " 

u  Do  not  plagiarize  on  your  own  creations!  "  Dio- 
nysius bade  him  with  cold  scorn.  "  Either  cull  a 
novelty  from  your  garden  of  thoughts  or  offer  none 
at  all." 

"  He  has  magnificent  steeds  to  draw  his  chariot," 


98  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

observed  Damocles  irrelevantly.  "  They  appear  to 
me  of  finer  mettle  than  your  own." 

For  an  instant,  Dionysius  looked  sharply  at  his 
friend,  then  slapped  his  palms  together  with  a  re- 
sounding whack. 

"  I  have  the  plan !  "  he  ground  out  between 
clenched  teeth.  u  By  to-morrow  our  bundle  of  con- 
ceit in  yonder  chariot  will  be  prostrate  in  the  dust, 
with  the  heels  of  Syracuse  upon  his  neck!  Let  us 
hasten  across  and  talk  with  our  famed  pair  of  friends. 
Think  you  they  will  find  it  wise  to  be  civil  to  me?  " 

"  Do  you  advance  your  plan,  to-day?  "  questioned 
Damocles  with  much  curiosity.  "  And  can  you  not 
give  me  a  slight  idea  of  what  it  will  involve?  " 

"  It  is  sufficient  for  you  to  know,  for  the  moment, 
that  it  was  born  of  your  witless  ravings.  Hurry  your 
fat  legs  across  the  space  that  still  intervenes.  I  do 
not  choose  that  Pythias  have  too  long  love-sessions 
with  this  pearl  whom  I  desire." 

"  The  feast  we  did  attend  yesternight  has  filled 
me  with  complaints;  and  my  legs  refuse  to  hasten. 
Likewise,  my  heart  thumps  most  uncomfortably  in 
my  breast  and  my  head  is  filled  with  trumpet  blasts, 
where  none  exist." 

Dionysius  raised  a  protesting  hand. 

"  Add  to  the  list  that  it  will  be  very  painful  duty 
to  pierce  you,  playfully,  with  my  sharpest  sword,  so 
that  your  end  from  acute  suffering  will  be  swift  and 
not  an  unskilled  work!  Forget  your  ailments  and 


THE  VICTOR'S  RETURN  99 

polish  up  what  brain  remains  to  you,  for  to-night  you 
are  to  do  some  cunning  work  for  me.  And  then  — 
then  will  dawn  the  morrow !  " 


CHAPTER  VIII 

THE    PLAN    IS    DIVULGED 

6  *  "IF  SHALL  not  pout;  for  'tis  not  well  behaved. 
Neither  shall  I  weep;  for  'tis  unfitting  a 

JL.  soldier's  mate.  Whether  I  shall  stamp  my 
feet  and  exhibit  my  overseasoned  temper,  or  grace- 
fully submit  to  neglect  and  unresponsive  treatment,  I 
have  not  yet  decided.  Yet  I  am  sore  offended." 

Calanthe  stood  in  her  garden,  whither  Pythias  had 
barne  her,  accompanied  by  Damon.  Arria,  her 
mother,  had  come  from  the  house  and  approached 
the  little  group. 

"  Has  the  suspense  of  waiting  for  your  return 
gone  to  our  little  Calanthe's  head?  "  she  interrupted, 
with  a  hint  of  mischief  in  her  soft  brown  eyes.  "  For 
days  and  nights  past  she  has  been  like  a  caged  dove, 
whimpering  for  its  mate ;  and  now  that  he  is  come  she 
deports  herself  in  heartless  manner." 

Pythias  rose  to  give  courteous  salutation. 

"  Do  not  reprove  the  child,"  he  besought  with 
mock  gravity.  "  We  must  allow  her  much.  For 
Venus,  when  she  rose  from  out  the  sea,  to  smile  upon 
our  Grecian  isles  and  fill  them  with  everlasting 
verdure,  was  not  more  beautiful  than  she."  • 

100 


THE  PLAN  IS  DI^lfiQED   .  ,  !   101 

"  Ah,  you  think  with  soft  wor,dp  tp:.Ki'dfeiypbr:  false 
oblivion  to  me,"  persisted  Calanthe,  as  a  spoiled  child 
who  will  not  be  quieted.  "  From  this  hill  that  over- 
looks the  sea,  Eunice  kept  watch  and  at  first  sight  of 
the  Carthaginian  trireme  touching  these  shores, 
shouted  the  news  to  me  and  I  did  haste,  with  all 
speed,  to  a  point  of  vantage  on  the  steps  of  the  statue 
of  Mercury,  there  to  watch  your  glorious  entrance 
into  the  city  —  and  wait  for  your  smile.  But  it  came 


not." 


"  Nay,  do  not  chide  me,  my  soft  Calanthe.  If 
my  eyes  did  not  single  you  out,  my  heart  was  bursting 
with  thoughts  of  you  and  of  our  wedding  on  the 


morrow." 


"  You  made  sacrifice  of  your  first  moment  here,  to 
friendship,  not  love!  'Twas  Damon  you  greeted 
with  the  first  word,  the  first  hand  clasp !  " 

Pythias  looked  to  where  his  friend  was  standing, 
wrapped  in  moody  thought.  Hre  called,  to  rouse  him 
from  his  meditation.  Damon  drew  near,  asking 
pardon  for  his  seeming  preoccupation. 

"  There  is  some  malignant  worry  feeding  upon 
your  heart,  my  Damon,"  observed  Pythias,  with 
much  concern.  "Will  you  not  confide  in  me? 
Come,  I  will  make  you  smile.  Do  you  knew  what 
this  sweet  maid  has  been  pouring  into  my  ears  ?  Re- 
proaches for  the  depth  of  our  friendship.  She 
deems  it  improper  to  sacrifice  to  friendship  the  mo- 
ments that  could  be  spent  with  the  loved  ones.  Are 


102  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

you  not  arrogant  at  having  caused  the  seeds  of  jeal- 
ousy to  spring  in  so  fair  a  breast?  " 

Damon  seized  the  tiny  hand  that  hung  limply  at 
Calanthe's  side. 

"  Do  not  underrate  the  glory  of  friendship,  sweet 
girl.  What  many  de-em  '  friendship  '  is  so  weak  in 
strength  at  most  times,  that  it  should  not  be  dignified 
by  the  solemn  term.  Remember  always  that  the 
warmth  of  friendship,  like  that  of  love,  is  not 
chilled  by  the  winds  that  blow  from  the  valley  of 
death."  ' 

Calanthe,  abashed,  sought  shelter  in  her  lover's 
arm. 

1  You  must  not  disclose  all  the  whims  which  I  con- 
fide to  you,"  she  whispered.  "  I  would  not  have 
Damon  disturbed  by  my  silly  plaints.*' 

"  Of  what  was  Dionysius  speaking  when  he  held 
you  in  such  earnest  consultation?"  questioned  Da- 
mon, seating  himself  beside  his  friend.  "  Was't  of 
his  ambitions  and  designs  upon  our  city?  " 

1  You  are  ov-er-morose,  and  see  but  blackness  in 
all  his  deeds,  I  fear.  His  talk  to-day  was  of  joyous 
things  —  the  games  to  be  held  on  the  morrow  in 
honor  of  my  return.  It  has  been  ordered  that  all 
toil  shall  cease,  throughout  the  entire  morn;  that  the 
populace  throng  the  Circus  at  an  early  hour;  and 
there  will  be  discus  throwing,  wrestling,  foot  races 
and  chariot  contests.  Then,  in  the  afternoon,  when 
all  Syracuse  is  feasting  and  pledging  our  happiness 


THE  PLAN  IS  DIVULGED          103 

in  the  spiced  bowl,  my  sweet  Calanthe  and  I  will 
celebrate  our  marriage  feast." 

"  Are  you  to  take  part  in  the  games  and  shall  I  be 
there  to  gaze  upon  you  from  a  box  all  draped  in 
standards?"  Calanthe  clapped  her  hands  and 
danced  up  and  down  in  gay  anticipation. 

"  It  was  for  the  express  purpose  of  asking  me  to 
compete  in  the  chariot  races  that  Dionysius  accosted 
me." 

"And  you  consented?"  questioned  Damon, 
hastily. 

14  I  did.  I  would  pit  my  black  steeds  against  the 
best  in  Syracuse,  nay  in  all  Sicily.  Besides,  the  fever 
of  the  race  fires  my  blood  and  gives  me  keen  enjoy- 


ment." 


"  Against  whom  are  you  to  contest?  Did  Dio- 
nysius name  the  others  in  the  race?  " 

"  What  do  the  others  matter?  In  a  time  of  de- 
feat the  names  of  those  vanquished  sink  into  oblivion. 
'Tis  only  the  victor's  identity  that  bursts  from  the 
lips  of  the  audience.  And  you  well  know  the  name 
of  Pythias,  my  Damon!  " 

"  List  to  the  boastful  one !  "  mocked  Calanthe. 
"  If  it  were  not  for  the  fact  that  I  would  lose  the 
honor  of  placing  the  wreath  upon  your  brow,  I  could 
find  it  in  my  heart  to  wish  for  your  defeat." 

"  I  am  not  boasting  for  myself,"  declared  Pythias 
simply.  "  I  know  the  mettle  of  my  horses,  that  is 
all.  They  have  drawn  my  chariot  in  times  of  stress. 


io4  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

They  have  never  faltered,  never  failed  me.  A  slave 
could  hold  the  reins  as  well  —  but  he  will  not." 

"  I  must  go  to  my  home  to  rest  in  preparation  for 
the  sports  to-morrow,"  Damon  laid  a  gentle  hand 
on  Pythias'  shoulder.  "  These  affairs  of  state  o'er- 
fret  me  and  I  fear  I  lose  my  capacity  to  enjoy  the 
lighter  things  of  life.  Calanthe,  you  must  look  to  it 
that  your  young  lord  does  not  attempt  the  statesman's 
sorry  part.  'Twill  pale  his  face  and  make  him  find 
in  lovely  nature  but  one  blend  of  dismal  colorless 
sterility." 

"  I  would  not  even  if  I  could;  I  could  not  even 
if  I  would;  so  there's  an  end  on't,"  smiled  Pythias, 
tightening  his  clasp  on  his  sweet  burden.  "  But  you 
speak  of  resting  for  the  games  to-morrow  as  if  that 
were  the  day's  important  event.  You  say  nothing  of 
my  wedding  feast." 

"  And  I  intended,  even  unbidden,  to  be  there. 
The  wedding  of  a  man  and  maid  is  always  a  joyous 
sight;  but,  when  looked  upon  from  friendship's  eye, 
its  bliss  is  tenfold.  So,  until  the  morn,  farewell." 

Meantime,  in  the  dwelling  of  Dionysius,  sat 
Damocles  quaffing  hot  wines;  in  vain  attempt  to  still 
the  plaints  of  his  mutinous  stomach.  A  sorry  figure 
of  a  senator  with  head-band  at  a  distressed  angle  on 
his  fast-thinning  locks;  and  toes  turned  in,  with  no 
regard  for  grace  of  attitude. 

"Wilt   cease   this    sickish   bellowing?"    growled 


THE  PLAN  IS  DIVULGED  105 

Dionysius,  pacing  the  floor  in  rage.  "  I  seek  to  dis- 
close a  deep-laid  plan  which  exacts  wariness  and  cun- 
ning from  him  who  is  to  carry  it  out,  and  you  sit  be- 
fore me  with  the  expression  of  a  calf  gone  ill!  " 

"  I  am  afflicted  with  an  inward  torture  that  is  diffi- 
cult to  bear,"  groaned  Damocles,  "  but  I  will  listen 
with  alertness  and  strive  to  execute  your  plans  with 
daring." 

"With  daring!"  Dionysius  burst  into  satirical 
laughter.  "  From  present  appearance  you  have  as 
much  daring  about  you,  as  a  rabbit  that  is  pursued 
by  a  hungry  fox!  Speak  not  of  daring  with  a  coun- 
tenance gone  green,  for  I  would  fain  give  my  strength 
to  earnest  thought  instead  of  violent  mirth." 

"  Proceed,"  moaned  Damocles,  too  miserable  to  be 
offended. 

"  I  have  explained  the  main  points  of  the  plot. 
What  now  falls  to  you  is  the  work  of  completing  it 
with  prudence  and  sly  skill.  If  there  should  be  a 
shade  of  suspicion,  the  great  project  as  well  as  the 
lesser  one  of  to-morrow  will  be  frustrated  and  your 
reputation  gone." 

"  You  lay  stress  on  my  reputation!  "  blurted  out 
Damocles,  with  the  mournful  petulance  of  one  who  is 
dispirited  and  overruled.  "  What  shreds  would  be 
left  of  yours,  I  ask,  if  the  plot  failed?  " 

"  We  are  not  dealing  in  '  ifs  '  and  '  buts,'  "  hurled 
Dionysius,  sending  a  stool,  with  a  resounding  crash, 
to  the  polished  floor.  "  Get  from  under  my  feet  be- 


io6  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

fore  my  temper  breaks  all  bounds  and  vents  itself 
upon  your  pain-ridden  body!  " 

With  lagging  step  and  muttered  phrases  that  he 
took  care  should  not  assume  the  definite  in  syllables, 
Damocles  took  his  departure. 

Down  the  steps  of  Dionysius'  dwelling  he  dragged 
his  swollen,  sandaled  feet  and,  once  upon  the  street, 
heaved  a  sigh,  whose  resonance  was  echoed  from  the 
nearest  hills. 

He  looked  about  in  search  of  a  possible  spy.  Not 
because  he  felt  there  would  be  one  in  hiding;  but 
rather  for  the  reason  that  sudden  realization  of  his 
importance  in  a  great  intrigue,  assailed  him  —  and 
he  was  getting  into  the  character. 

The  horizon  was  comparatively  clear.  The  mul- 
titudes had  departed  to  their  homes  to  feast,  in  pri- 
vate, after  the  splendid  spectacle  of  the  day.  All 
was  silence. 

With  pudgy  hand  grasping  a  queer-looking  bag, 
Damocles  walked  through  the  Via  Academica  as  far 
as  the  public  square.  Then  he  turned  sharply  to  his 
right  and  sought  the  twisted  by-ways  and  queer,  over- 
hanging buildings  that  sheltered  the  poorer  mer- 
chants of  Syracuse. 

As  he  progressed,  a  solitary  figure  in  the  deserted 
streets,  bursts  of  laughter  and  the  click  of  bowl  upon 
bowl  accosted  his  ears.  The  populace  was  making 
merry;  and  he,  faint  in  spirit  and  disconsolate  in 
body,  was  on  his  way  to  a  malicious  deed. 


THE  PLAN  IS  DIVULGED  107 

He  arrived  at  a  corner  where  the  roofs  of  houses 
jutting  out,  from  opposite  sides,  made  an  archway. 
Through  this  he  passed.  The  steps  he  descended 
a  few  paces  on  were  worn  smooth  with  shallow  hol- 
lows in  their  centers.  His  feet  slipped  into  them 
as  had  the  feet  of  hundreds  who  descended  in  search 
of  wine. 

As  he  entered  the  inner  room  a  crowd  of  roughly 
clothed  folk  started  in  astonishment  at  sight  of  his 
senatorial  toga. 

The  proprietor  ran  from  his  cask-room  and  bowed 
before  him,  uttering  squeals  of  satisfaction,  half  ex- 
pressions of  abject  subservience. 

Damocles  cast  his  weary  bulk  upon  the  hard  sur- 
face of  a  cracked  stone  seat.  He  rested  an  elbow 
on  the  stone  table  before  him  and  motioned  imperi- 
ously to  the  squawking  little  figure  that  danced  before 
his  eyes. 

His  order  of  the  best  in  the  house  brought  addi- 
tional protestations  of  gratitude  and  humility.  The 
men  at  the  adjoining  table  began  to  regard  him  with 
suspicion.  As  soon  as  the  proprietor  had  disap- 
peared into  the  recesses  of  his  cask  room,  Damocles 
leaned  toward  his  nearest  neighbor  and  designated 
with  a  lordly  thumb  that  he  wished  converse  with 
him. 

The  man,  afright  at  the  sudden  honor,  hesitated 
to  obey;  whereupon  one  of  his  companions  rose  to 
comply  with  the  summons.  This  roused  the  rest  of 


io8  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

the  group,  which,  fired  by  wine,  were  anxious  to  be 
in  the  game,  whatever  it  might  be. 

"  I  want  but  two,"  announced  Damocles,  impa- 
tiently. 

The  dictum  caused  such  discord  among  the  ruf- 
fians that  for  a  moment  it  appeared  as  though  there 
would  be  damaged  countenances  before  the  two  were 
chosen. 

The  entrance  of  the  proprietor,  bearing  his  most 
vivid  bowl,  was  the  signal  for  quiet.  He  placed  the 
most  priceless  treasure  of  his  collection  of  pottery 
before  the  noble  patron  and  poured  the  ruby-hued 
liquid  from  a  queer  flagon  that  he  rested  upon  his  hip. 

Damocles  ordered  two  bowls  of  the  same  stuff  for 
his  invited  guests.  At  the  violent  protest  of  the 
owner,  who  was  speechless  at  the  thought  of  wasting 
such  value  upon  so  poor  a  pair,  the  senator  displayed 
his  displeasure. 

"  I  order  and  you  serve !  "  he  commanded,  with 
grim  relish  in  the  act  of  treading  under  heel,  as  he 
had  just  been  trodden  by  the  overgeneral. 

The  two  ruffians  waited  for  him  to  divulge  his 
plans.  That  the  plans  were  secret  and  felonious  in 
character  they  had  no  doubt.  And  they  stood  ready 
to  comply,  did  the  reward  but  fit  the  deed.  Dio- 
nysius,  with  the  unerring  instinct  of  one  steeped  in 
polite  crime,  had  sent  Damocles  to  the  right  place. 
In  the  handbook  of  a  despot  there  are  informations 
that  would  not  bear  the  searching  light  of  day. 


THE  PLAN  IS  DIVULGED          109 

Still  Damocles  remained  silent,  his  pale  loose  lips 
buried  in  the  fragrant  draught,  his  eyes  shifting  from 
the  admiring  proprietor  to  the  group  of  drinkers  at 
the  other  table. 

The  more  intelligent  of  the  two  honored  guests 
waved  an  expressive  hand  at  his  ignoble  associates. 
Whether  they  interpreted  his  gesture  aright  could  not 
be  guessed.  Certain  it  is  they  did  not  follow  its  sug- 
gestion. 

Their  interest  was  too  keen  to  suit  the  visiting 
senator.  He  did  not  know  the  degree  of  their  acute- 
ness  and  he  was  unwilling  to  speculate.  Also,  the 
solicitous  proprietor  troubled  him  grievously. 

It  was  enough  to  be  sent  on  a  dark  mission  where 
the  body  protested.  To  be  plagued  by  over-atten- 
tion and  by  too  vivid  curiosity  when  one  had  arrived 
was  exasperating. 

Damocles  summoned  closer  the  shrimplike  owner. 

'  You  will  get  rid  of  those  men,"  he  commanded 
quietly. 

'  You  would  drive  away  my  customers?  "  shrilled 
the  little  man,  forgetting,  for  the  instant,  the  impor- 
tance of  his  patron.  Then  in  sudden  terror,  he  scut- 
tled to  the  adjoining  table  and,  by  a  series  of  gesticu- 
lations and  expletives,  cleared  the  room. 

Damocles  put  down  his  bowl  and  scanned  the  fea- 
tures of  the  man  facing  him.  His  glance,  so  pene- 
trating and  severe,  had  the  desired  effect.  The  two 
villains  began  to  snort  and  shift  under  it.  And  in 


no  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

their  coward  souls  was  born  a  fear  of  the  mighty 
one,  who  also  dabbled  in  iniquity. 

The  proprietor,  having  barred  the  door  to  all  cus- 
tomers for  as  long  as  it  pleased  the  influential  guest 
to  remain,  hopped  back  into  his  presence  and  stood 
with  arms  akimbo,  displaying  great  interest  in  the 
scene  about  to  be  enacted. 

Damocles  pointed  a  puffy  ringed  forefinger  toward 
the  cask  room  and  glared.  Incredulous  and  humili- 
ated to  find  that  he  was  not  to  be  a  party  to  the  plot, 
the  owner  shuffled  from  the  room. 

Then  it  was  that  Damocles  raised  to  the  table 
edge  the  queer  leather  bag  and  as  it  hit  the  stone  a 
clink  from  its  depths  spoke  of  but  one  thing  —  gold ! 

For  many  minutes  were  the  three  heads  in  close 
location ;  and  so  softly  spoken  were  the  demands  and 
the  assents  that  not  a  syllable  cut  the  air  to  where  the 
proprietor  crouched  behind  his  hugest  vat. 

Damocles  rose  from  his  bench,  raised  aloft  a  bag 
of  gold  and  dropped  it  once  again  upon  the  stone  so 
that  the  metal  sound  might  fire  the  avarice  of  the 
two  and  spur  them  on  to  perform  well  what  he  had 
commanded. 

"  And  when  'tis  done  and  completely  so,  then  will 
another  purse  as  large  as  this  find  its  way  to  you, 
that  you  may  spend  its  contents  in  this  place,"  he 
said  aloud,  thus  placating  the  wounded  soul  of  the 
proprietor,  whom  he  knew  would  overhear. 

The  men  cast  themselves  before  him  in  servile 


THE  PLAN  IS  DIVULGED          in 

gratitude.  Damocles  clapped  his  hands  in  sum- 
mons. The  appeased  landlord  darted  into  sight; 
and  muttered  his  appreciation  when  his  eye  fell  upon 
the  size  of  the  gold  coin  dropped  into  his  palm. 

In  his  eagerness  to  unbar  the  door  and  give 
egress  to  his  noble  guest,  he  slipped  upon  the  damp 
stones  and  in  sudden  precipitation  met  too  violently 
the  unevenness  of  his  cellar  floor.  But,  with  a 
bound,  he  was  on  his  feet,  though  sadly  bruised,  and 
withdrew  the  heavy  oaken  barrier. 

Damocles  went  out,  without  a  backward  glance. 
He  could  now  seek  Dionysius  and,  with  a  certain 
amount  of  haughtiness,  tell  of  his  skill  in  accomplish- 
ing so  soon  the  errand  that  he  had  set  out  upon. 
When  one  has  no  need  of  qualifying  phrases  or  half- 
baked  excuses  there  must  always  be  arrogance,  in 
some  amount. 

So,  Damocles,  retreading  the  way  to  the  dwelling 
of  the  overlord  found  the  day  more  bright,  the  poor 
streets  more  unworthy  of  his  august  presence  and  the 
malady  of  stomach  greatly  subdued. 

In  the  square  before  the  Senate  House,  he  was 
accosted  by  Damon,  who  was  about  to  mount  the 
steps. 

"  Do  you  go  into  the  Senate  at  such  an  hour?  " 
questioned  Damocles  in  patronizing  manner.  "  It 
must  be  that  it  is  indeed  deserted  at  this  time.  Do 
you  seek  some  one?  Or  are  you  bent  on  delving 
still  more  profoundly  into  philosophic  tomes?" 


ii2  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

'Whence  come  you,  Damocles?"  retorted  Da- 
mon, making  no  pretense  at  answering  the  cynical 
query.  'Tis  a  queer  portion  of  the  city  from  which 
you  turned  into  the  square.  Which  seek  you  ?  Dis- 
cernment or  diversion?  " 

"  I  went  to  aid  a  vassal  who  has  fallen  ill  and  who 
craved  my  presence.  I — " 

'  The  publican  turned  priest !  "  ejaculated  Damon; 
and,  without  further  parley,  mounted  the  steps  and 
disappeared  behind  the  pillars  of  the  Senate  House. 

Damocles,  having  received  so  rude  a  jolt  to  his 
newly  acquired  arrogance,  clenched  his  purple-veined 
fist  and  shook  it,  vindictively,  at  the  retreating  form. 

Without  further  interruption  he  reached  the  house 
of  Dionysius  and  entered  its  portals.  Encountering 
no  slave  in  the  outer  courtyard,  he  penetrated  to  the 
inner  room. 

There,  stretched  upon  a  couch,  gorgeous  in  black 
and  gold  coverings  and  softened  with  many  cushions, 
he  came  upon  the  general.  With  head  thrown  back 
and  limp  arms  dropping  to  the  polished  floor,  Dio- 
nysius presented  a  right  ungraceful  picture.  Fur- 
thermore from  his  open  mouth  there  issued  raucous 
sounds,  indicative  of  profound  slumber. 

A  sudden  rage  took  possession  of  Damocles  to 
find  this  man  enjoying  that  which  he  himself  so  sadly 
needed  and  could  not  get!  He  bent  and  rudely 
shook  the  sleeper.  Dionysius  opened  but  one  of  his 
tightly  closed  eyes. 


THE  PLAN  IS  DIVULGED          113 

"What  is  it?"  he  questioned,  drowsily. 

"  It  is  I,  Damocles,"  announced  the  other,  with 
triumph  and  emphasis.  "  I  have  come  to  tell  you 
that  it  is  accomplished  1  That  the  preparations  have 
been  perfected  by  my  hand.  That — " 

'*  Tell  it  me  when  I  awaken,"  ordered  the  mas- 
ter. "  Just  now  my  eyes  are  weary  and  I  have  not 
the  will  to  hear  you  prate  of  your  adroitness.  Con- 
serve it  for  a  more  auspicious  moment.  I  wish 
quiet." 

And  once  again  the  regular  breathing  told  of 
peaceful  slumber. 


CHAPTER  IX 

IN  THE   DEAD   OF    NIGHT 

NIGHT  had  fallen.  In  the  Circus  stables, 
the  boys  by  the  light  of  torches  finished  the 
rubbing  down  of  horses  that  were  to  com- 
pete on  the  morrow.  The  restless  stamping  of  the 
mettled  steeds  echoed  through  the  low  stone  build- 
ings, and  disturbed  the  sluggards  who  had  fallen  to 
slumber,  leaving  the  bulk  of  their  work  till  early 
dawn. 

One  by  one  the  workers  ceased.  Aratus,  the  last 
to  cast  his  brushes  into  a  corner,  laid  caressing  hands 
on  the  glossy  blackness  of  the  four  who  were  to  pull 
the  chariot  of  Pythias. 

The  beautiful  animals,  freed  of  their  cumbersome 
trappings,  arched  graceful  necks  and  looked  with 
mild  affectionate  eyes  at  the  boy  who  had  been  work- 
ing so  arduously  on  their  shining  coats. 

He  raised  himself,  on  tiptoe,  to  whisper  into  the 
ear  of  Mentum,  his  favorite. 

"  You  must  carry  your  master  to  victory,  on  the 
morrow,"  he  breathed,  as  if  in  conversation  with  a 
human.  "  Much  is  at  stake.  So  light  a  thing  it  re- 

114 


IN  THE  DEAD  OF  NIGHT          115 

quires  to  upset  the  popularity  of  a  favorite,  that  if 
Aristle  defeat  Pythias,  his  fame  will  suffer.  And 
they  who,  to-day,  shouted  themselves  to  hoarseness, 
in  fervent  welcome  of  the  hero,  to-morrow  will  for- 
get his  past  glories  and  place  upon  his  neck  the  heel 
of  disrepute." 

The  steed,  with  head  tilted,  to  receive  more  easily 
the  words  of  warning,  tossed  his  mane  and  nodded 
violently.  This  disturbed  the  others  in  adjoining 
stalls,  and  they  renewed  their  restive  stamping. 

Aratus  quieted  them  with  gentle  words  of  reas- 
surance and  patted  each  upon  the  nose.  He  hesi- 
tated a  moment  longer  beside  Mentum,  and  wound 
his  arm  closely  about  the  smooth  neck. 

"  You  have  understanding  of  the  words  I  utter," 
he  said  softly.  "  There  are  those  who  would  deride 
the  thought.  But  I  know  that  if  it  takes  the  last 
atom  of  strength  in  your  slender  limbs,  and  that 
after,  you  perish,  you  will  draw  your  master's  chariot 
to  victory." 

Aratus  pulled  an  armful  of  hay  from  the  large 
stores  at  the  corridor-end  and  arranged  it  in  a  loose 
mound  outside  the  stall  of  his  favorite.  With  a 
last,  careful  look  at  his  four  charges,  he  cast  his  lean 
young  body  on  the  improvised  couch  and  folded  his 
arms  above  his  head. 

Fatigued  in  body  from  his  hard  labors,  and  his 
mind  at  rest  at  having  so  thoroughly  performed 
them,  yet  were  his  eyes  wide  in  wakefulness.  Twice 


116  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

he  rose  and  looked  out  of  the  narrow,  oblong  win- 
dows, only  to  return  to  his  twisting  and  tossing. 

A  horse  in  the  adjoining  section,  watched  over  by 
Lertes,  whinnied.  The  plaintive  sound  in  the  dead 
quiet  that  had  fallen,  struck  his  ears  with  a  sense  of 
warning.  Then  again,  all  was  still. 

With  thoughts  of  the  festive  day  approaching,  he 
sank  to  slumber,  his  thin,  young  arms  flung  wide  and 
touching  the  stone  floor;  his  knees  drawn  up,  in  un- 
conscious protection  against  the  cool,  night  air  which 
was  blown  through  the  narrow  windows. 

In  the  white  moonlight  without,  the  city  of  Syra- 
cuse lay  shrouded  in  slumber.  The  multitude,  in 
joyous  anticipation  of  the  sports  on  the  morrow,  had 
early  sought  their  couches. 

From  out  the  shadow  of  a  pretentious  dwelling 
on  the  Via  Greca,  two  figures  crept  with  fear  and 
caution  in  their  every  move.  The  taller  of  the  two 
darted  ahead  and  sought  the  shelter  of  the  next  deep 
shadow. 

His  companion,  having  caught  up  with  him,  the 
pair  emerged  into  the  full  light  and  started  to  saun- 
ter up  the  hill. 

"  Mind  well  your  gait,"  warned  the  shorter  man; 
"  'tis  not  a  night  for  errand  like  ours.  In  this  bril- 
liant moon  can  everything  be  seen." 

"  The  city  sleeps,"  remarked  the  other,  looking 
down  upon  the  silent  roofs  and  deserted  moonlit 
streets. 


IN  THE  DEAD  OF  NIGHT          117 

"Who  knows?" 

"  After  the  day  of  feasting  and  reception  to  the 
warrior  and  in  thought  of  the  early  hour  at  which 
they  must  rise  again,  the  wise  have  long  since  sought 
their  slumbers." 

"And  the  unwise?"  quoth  the  other,  quietly. 
"  They  also  have  eyes  to  see  and  ears  to  hear.  They 
also  have  tongues  with  which  to  spread  alarm.  Sup- 
pose the  maid,  Calanthe,  wakeful  from  thoughts  of 
the  morrow,  stand  at  her  window,  looking  upon  the 
beauty  of  the  night?  What  if  Pythias,  himself,  can- 
not content  his  brain  to  sleep  and  strides  upon  his 
balcony  to  breathe  the  freedom  of  the  sky?  " 

1  Your  unquiet  thoughts  are  the  imaginings  of  a 
mind  of  guilt,"  remonstrated  the  companion.  "  Not 
one  of  the  happenings  of  which  you've  spoken  will 
transpire.  So  rest  your  soul  and  do  your  work. 
When  your  heart  fails,  call  again  to  your  ears  the 
clink  of  the  purse  of  gold  as  it  fell  on  the  stone  table 
and  recall  that,  on  the  morrow,  the  dose  will  be  re- 
peated!" 

As  they  mounted  the  final  steepness  of  the  Circus 
hill,  a  low,  peculiar  sound  smote  their  ears. 

"What  was't?"  gasped  the  taller  of  the  two. 
'*  Was  it  man  or  beast?  Was  it  welcome  or  warn- 
ing?" 

They  shrank  into  the  first  recess  that  presented 
its  shelter.  Flattened  against  the  wall,  their  arms 
outspread  and  fingers  clinging  to  the  irregularity  in 


n8  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

surface,  they  listened,  with  bated  breath,  for  a  dread 
repetition.     It  came  not. 

Cautiously  they  peered  without.  The  scene  was 
unchanged.  The  dazzling  white  light  bathed  more 
completely  the  sleeping  city.  The  shadows  were 
blacker  and  more  sharply  defined,  in  contrast. 

'Your  wits  are  easily  shaken  I"  charged  one. 
"  If  but  your^brain  could  be  startled  into  action  as 
readily,  then  were  the  deed  already  completed." 

"  Speak  not  of  wits  shaken,"  countercharged  the 
other.  'Twas  your  fingers  that  clutched  my  arm 
in  terror  and  your  feet  that  first  sought  concealment. 
Methinks  that  even  now  your  stomach  quakes  with 
fear  of  an  unknown  spy,  while  I  —  I  — " 

He  strode  boldly  into  the  full  glare  and  raised  his 
arms  aloft,  in  brave  defiance. 

14  Now  that  we  have  accomplished  the  ascent,  let 
us  approach  the  stables,  and,  looking  through  the 
window's,  determine  in  what  location  these  steeds  are 
housed,"  he  called  loftily  to  his  fainthearted  com- 
panion. 

"  Have  thought  of  the  stable  boys?  "  was  the  wary 
retort. 

"  Stable  boys!  "  guffawed  the  other.  "  They  are 
the  last  we  have  to  fear.  For  first,  they  sleep  with 
the  profoundness  of  death,  exhausted  from  their 
heavy  labors;  and  second,  if  they  should  be  aroused, 
a  few  drachmas  would  soon  quell  their  murmurs  of 


IN  THE  DEAD  OF  NIGHT          119 

dissent.  Come,  be  brave !  Follow  in  the  footsteps 
of  your  leader  who  knows  no  fear." 

Inside  the  stable,  the  young  Aratus  stretched  his 
thin  legs  and  turned  to  find  greater  comfort  on  his 
couch  of  hay.  The  stiffness  of  his  wrist  and  elbow 
joints,  result  of  his  vigorous  rubbing,  drove  him  to 
sit  erect,  to  try  to  ease  their  aching. 

From  outside  he  caught  the  boastful  whispering 
of  the  braggart.  At  first,  his  mind,  clogged  with 
unslept  slumbers,  strove  in  vain  to  grasp  the  reality 
and  then  the  import  of  the  words.  He  crawled 
along  the  floor  till  he  crouched  directly  beneath  the 
nearest  window. 

He  could  hear  a  man  urging  another  to  display  of 
bravery.  He  did  not  recognize  the  voices,  but  knew 
them  to  be  none  of  those  whose  horses  were  sheltered 
with  the  stable  walls.  Fearing  to  wait  too  long  to 
learn  their  identity,  he  straightened  his  lithe  body 
and  with  a  sudden  spring,  stood  on  tiptoe  and  gazed 
through  the  opening. 

He  saw  in  the  blinding  glare  of  white  light  two 
men  whose  garb  proclaimed  them  of  the  sort  who, 
without  earnest  occupation  of  any  sort,  frequent  the 
wine  cellars  and  are  for  hire  when  the  deed  is  dark. 

The  vague  feeling  of  danger  that  had  clamored  at 
his  heart  throughout  the  early  night  now  redoubled. 
The  presence  of  these  men  presaged  ill.  If  he  were 
detected  by  them  before  their  plans  were  carried  out, 


120  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

it  would  mean  his  destruction.  He  glanced  with 
horror  at  the  short  swords,  unsheathed,  that  were 
stuck  through  the  leathern  loops  of  their  girdles. 

They  turned  suddenly,  and,  in  the  direct  shafts  of 
light,  their  features,  unmasked,  were  plainly  visible. 
Aratus  remembered  where  he  had  seen  them.  That 
very  afternoon  toward  dusk  when  the  streets  were 
still  thronged  with  the  gay  crowds  who  were  loath 
to  seek  their  own  roofs,  he  had  watched  them  stum- 
ble from  the  wine  cellar  of  Cicatrum  on  the  Via 
Steres.  Much  the  worse  for  wine,  the  one  acting  as 
standard  for  the  other,  they  had  proceeded  to  an 
humble  dwelling  on  the  outskirts  of  the  town. 

The  boy  dropped  in  affright  to  the  floor  and 
scrambled  back  to  his  couch.  There,  he  assumed  a 
posture  of  utter  languor,  his  eyes  tightly  closed,  his 
chin  dropped  and  mouth  opened  to  emit  the  deep, 
regular  sounds  of  a  person  sunk  in  slumber. 

A  moment  after,  the  whisperings  approached  the 
window  and  an  ugly  head,  with  protruding  eye  and 
bulbous  nose,  was  thrust  through.  Aratus  gulped  in 
sudden  dread,  but  did  not  interrupt  his  forced,  even 
breathing.  He  was  thankful  that  the  head  obscured 
the  beam  that  had,  a  moment  before,  slanted  through 
the  window  and  cast  its  radiance  upon  his  prostrate 
body. 

The  head  was  withdrawn  and  quick  consultation 
taken.  Every  word,  with  here  and  there  a  final  let- 
ter blurred,  drifted  in  to  his  alert  ears.  He  dared 


IN  THE  DEAD  OF  NIGHT          121 

not  open  his  eyes  for  fear  that  they  were  waiting  to 
trap  him. 

As  he  listened,  his  heart  chilled  with  the  horror 
of  the  plan  they  proposed.  His  mind  ordinarily  not 
quickly  roused  to  thought,  struggled  to  devise  a  so- 
lution to  the  situation.  The  dastardly  ones  must  be 
thwarted.  But  how? 

He  concluded  from  their  talk  of  purses  and  gold 
and  their  humorous  verbal  caricatures,  that  they  had 
been  hired  by  Damocles,  at  the  instigation  of  Dio- 
nysius.  How  could  he,  a  stable  boy,  hope  to  suc- 
cessfully frustrate  the  schemes  of  two  of  the  mighti- 
est in  the  city? 

Nevertheless  he  would  try.  For  his  beloved  mas- 
ter's sake  he  would  risk  attack  and  even  annihilation, 
in  an  attempt  to  prevent  this  vile  design.  Their 
every  move,  carefully  planned,  the  two  men  turned 
to  seek  the  gates. 

On  the  instant,  Aratus  kicked  the  sleeping  Men- 
turn  with  as  much  force  as  he  could  summon  to  his 
fear-paralyzed  limbs. 

The  blooded  steed,  which  slept  lightly,  jumped 
wildly  to  his  feet  and  pawed  furiously  at  the  wall 
that  separated  his  stall  from  the  next.  The  noise 
awoke  the  other  horses.  They  joined  in  a  chorus  of 
neighs  and  snorts  and  their  hoofs  beat  the  stone  until 
the  clamor  was  deafening. 

Aratus,  in  pretense  of  having  been  but  suddenly 
awakened,  called  to  his  charges.  From  other  sec- 


122  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

tions  of  the  stable  the  boys  came  running,  stumbling 
over  their  weary  feet,  their  hands  waving  in  panic  at 
the  unlocked  for  agitation.  Aratus  jumped  to  the 
window  and  saw,  far  down  the  hill,  two  fleeing  fig- 
ures. As  he  watched,  they  reached  the  lower  streets 
and  disappeared  amid  the  closely  placed  buildings. 

He  seized  Lertes  roughly  by  the  shoulders. 

"  Keep  watch!  "  he  commanded  hoarsely,  "  while 
I  speed  down  into  the  city.  There  is  a  plot  afoot 
that  means  dishonor  to  us  all,  and,  if  the  authorities 
do  but  hear  of  it,  I  have  no  doubt  but  that  our 
severed  heads  will  stain  the  chopping  block  a  sullen 


crimson !  " 


Lertes,  petrified  with  fear  at  his  possible  fate, 
opened  his  lips  to  question;  but,  from  the  dry  walls 
of  his  frightened  throat,  no  sound  issued.  Before 
his  moistened  tongue  could  form  a  syllable,  Aratus 
had  darted  from  the  stables. 

Down  the  hillside  he  sped.  His  tired  legs,  driven 
to  speed  by  a  passionate  fire  of  devotion,  bore  him 
to  the  portal  of  Arria's  house.  His  sister,  Eunice, 
favorite  of  Calanthe's  handmaidens,  would  recog- 
nize his  call  and  give  him  entrance. 

Hardly  had  the  low  sound  left  his  lips,  when  a 
startled  figure,  swathed  in  white,  appeared  on  the 
balcony  over  his  head. 

"Aratus!"  called  Eunice  in  sudden  dismay. 
"What  brings  you  at  this  hour?  Is  it  a  message 
of  alarm  you  bear?  Is  it  from  Pythias?  Speak, 


IN  THE  DEAD  OF  NIGHT          123 

Aratus !  My  heart  is  suffocating  me  in  its  wild 
leaping!  " 

"  I  can  not  speak  at  this  distance,  Eunice,"  gasped 
the  boy,  clutching  his  parched  throat.  '  You  must 
open  the  gate  to  me  and  rouse  your  mistress.  Come ! 
For  whate'er  is  done  must  be  done  quickly." 

The  slender  form  disappeared  behind  the  heavy 
draperies  and  a  moment  later  the  ponderous  door 
swung  on  its  hinges  and  admitted  the  breathless 
messenger  to  the  inner  courtyard. 

"Where  is  your  mistress?"  demanded  Aratus. 
"  It  is  most  important  that  she  be  awakened.  What 
I  have  to  say  is  of  her  intimate  concern.  Come, 
Eunice,  let  us  to  her  chamber  and  rouse  her." 

"  No !  "  Eunice  stayed  his  steps  with  an  impera- 
tive hand.  "  I  have  but  just  succeeded  in  soothing 
her  to  slumber.  All  the  night  she  has  been  pacing 
the  floor,  unwilling  to  seek  her  couch.  To  calm  her 
restless  spirit  I  did  anoint  her  fair  body  with  per- 
fumed oils  and  smooth  her  tresses  with  quieting 
hands,  until  at  last  her  lovely  eyes  closed  in  peaceful 
sleep.  I  will  not  wake  her.  Deliver  me  your  mes- 
sage and  speak  softly  lest  the  whole  household  wake 
and  be  affrighted." 

"  This  is  not  a  time  to  consider  slumber.  The 
honor  of  Pythias  and  his  repute  in  Syracuse  will  be 
as  naught  on  the  morrow  unless  he  is  warned,  on 
the  instant,  of  the  plot  that  is  on  foot  to  disgrace 
him." 


124  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

"  Disgrace  him?  "  breathed  Eunice,  grasping  her 
brother's  arm  in  disbelief. 

"List  closely  to  my  message,"  entreated  Aratus; 
"  do  not  ask  me  whys  and  wherefores.  In  times  like 
this  every  moment  is  an  added  stumbling  block  to 
my  purpose  of  defeating  these  vile  criminals.  Dio- 
nysius,  who  they  say  is  enamored  of  your  lovely  mis- 
tress, Calanthe,  and  jealous  of  the  glories  cast  at 
Pythias'  feet  this  day,  has  got  'his  henchman,  Dam- 
ocles, to  hire  men  of  low  origin  to  perform  a  das- 
tardly deed. 

4  To-night,  when  I  was  sleeping  in  the  stables,  I 
overheard  the  two  plotting.  They  were  upon  the 
point  of  removing  the  steeds  of  Pythias  from  their 
stables.  Their  intention  was  to  drive  them  many 
leagues  in  the  dead  quiet  of  the  night,  so  that  on  the 
morrow,  spent  and  strained,  they  will  not  be  fit  com- 
petitors for  the  fresh,  highspirited  chargers  of 
Aristle. 

"  It  has  been  accomplished  before.  And  stable 
boys  upon  awaking,  have  found  their  horses  whipped 
to  a  lather,  panting  in  the  stalls.  Not  knowing  how 
they  came  to  be  in  such  condition,  and  fearful  lest 
their  masters  flog  them  for  neglect,  these  boys  have 
brushed  and  rubbed  until  the  sleek  look  has  returned 
and  none  was  the  wiser.  But  the  master  was  de- 
feated in  the  contests!  " 

"Why  did  you  not  assault  the  villains?"  ques- 
tioned Eunice,  with  great  contempt.  "  Would  it  not 


IN  THE  DEAD  OF  NIGHT          125 

have  been  a  surer  and  a  more  manly  act  than  to  flee, 
breathless,  to  warn  a  timid,  defenseless  woman  and 
break  her  slumbers?  " 

"  I  could  not  beat  them  single-handed.  They 
bristled  with  short  swords  and  they  had  the  sinews 
of  a  Hercules.  Nor  could  I  rely  upon  the  other 
boys  within  the  stables.  For,  so  avaricious  are  they, 
that  their  mouths  begin  to  water  at  sight  of  ten 
drachmas  and  they  could  drive  their  souls  to  murder 
for  a  silver  piece.  I  took  the  wisest  course,  roused 
the  stable,  frightened  the  criminals  away,  and,  with- 
out divulging  my  secret  to  any,  sped  here." 

"  Then,  is't  not  finished?  Have  not  the  monsters 
been  alarmed  for  all  time?  Have  they  not  sought 
their  dwellings?  " 

"  You  do  not  know,  O  sister,  what  a  purse  of  gold 
will  do.  These  same  men,  fortified  with  more  wine, 
will  again  mount  the  hill  when  all  has  quieted.  And 
this  time,  lest  they  be  foiled  in  their  intentions!  will 
they  use  violence  and  destroy  all  who  stand  in  their 
path.  That  is  why  I  have  come.  Rouse  your  mis- 
tress, Eunice,  and  allow  her  to  say  what  is  best  to 
do." 

Eunice  clasped  her  robe  more  closely  about  her 
and  sped  into  an  apartment  hung  with  folds  of  palest, 
rose  pink.  In  the  center  gleamed  a  square  pool  in 
whose  green-blue  depths  were  reflected  the  pillars 
and  rails  surrounding  it.  Beside  the  steps,  stretched 
on  a  couch  of  white,  deep  with  silken  cushions,  lay 


126  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

the  sleeping  Calanthe,  her  dimpled  arms  crossed  on 
her  rounded  breasts,  her  sweet  lips  parted  in  a  trem- 
ulous smile. 

The  maid  stood  over  her  sleeping  mistress,  loath 
to  disturb  her  sweet  dreams.  But  the  pacing  to  and 
fro  of  Aratus,  whose  steps  resounded  on  the  polished 
floor  of  the  inner  court,  and  the  fear  that  if  dishonor 
befell  Pythias,  Calanthe's  heart  would  break,  com- 
pelled her  to  action. 

She  bent  low,  slipped  a  gentle  arm  under  her  mis- 
tress's shoulders  and  raised  her  to  a  sitting  position, 
smoothing  her  brow  with  a  quieting  hand. 

Calanthe  thus  awakened,  started  in  bewilderment. 
Then,  as  the  familiar  objects  of  her  own  apartment 
were  disclosed  to  her,  she  sought  the  face  of  her 
maid,  in  silent  question. 

The  expression  she  saw  there  alarmed  her.  She 
darted  an  anxious  glance  about  the  room  to  see  if 
her  mother  and  other  members  of  the  household  had 
been  thus  aroused.  From  without,  the  monotonous 
tread  of  Aratus'  sandaled  feet  came  to  her  ears  and 
she  jumped  from  her  couch  dragging  her  embroidered 
coverlets  with  her  and  trailing  them  across  the  floor, 
half-way  to  the  portal. 

Eunice  seized  her  hands  and  knelt  at  her  feet. 
The  startled  violet  eyes  looked  with  the  dread  of 
one,  unknowing,  into  the  eyes  of  one  who  knew. 

"  Pythias !  "  she  murmured  at  last  in  little  chok- 
ing gasps.  "  Harm  has  come  to  him !  I  know  it  — 


IN  THE  DEAD  OF  NIGHT          127 

I  am  certain.  Speak!  Who  is  he  who  paces  so 
unceasingly  outside  ?  Have  you  lost  tongue,  Eunice  ? 
Or  do  you  torture  with  suspense  because  the  truth 
is  more  horrible  than  the  uncertainty?  " 

"  Nothing  has  happened,  sweet  one.  But  unless 
we  act  quickly  the  honor  of  your  young  lord  may 
be  at  stake.  My  brother  Aratus,  who  is  stable  boy 
at  the  Circus,  as  you  know,  has  just  fled  hither  to  in- 
form you  that  he  overheard  a  plot  to  tire  the  steeds 
of  Pythias  by  driving  them  many  miles,  in  the  secret 
night,  so  that,  on  the  morrow,  in  contest  with  Aristle, 
they  must  suffer  defeat." 

"  Whose  plot  is  this?"  breathed  Calanthe,  her 
eyes  aflash  with  sudden  indignation..  "  Diony- 
sius  — " 

Eunice  nodded  assent 

"  'Twas  he  who  conceived  of  it  and  his  gold  went 
for  the  purchase  price.  Men  do  these  things  and 
lay  the  burden  of  their  crimes  at  love's  door,  hoping 
to  receive  absolution  from  Eros,  at  whose  shrine  they 
worship.  Come,  let  me  clothe  you  in  your  softest 
robes  and  you  and  I,  attended  by  my  brother,  will 
speed  to  Pythias  and  warn  him  of  his  danger." 

With  swift  hands  Eunice  fastened  the  silver  shoul- 
der buckles  and  put  in  place  the  broidered  cestus. 
The  rosy  feet  were  slipped  into  soft  padded  sandals 
and  the  bronze-gold  head  swathed  in  gauze  scarves. 

u  So  that  your  disguise  may  be  complete,"  urged 
Eunice,  "  throw  this  mauve  mantle,  that  is  your 


128  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

mother's,  about  you  and  hold  the  thick  folds  well 
over  your  mouth  and  chin,  for  the  night  air  is  treach- 
erous and  the  dew,  though  naught  but  drops  of  opal 
moisture,  chilling  to  your  tender  feet." 

"  My  mother!  "  panted  Calanthe,  shivering  in 
vague  dread  of  the  weirdness  of  her  errand. 
"  Should  I  not  rouse  her  and  bid  her  accompany  us? 
She  will  think  it  strange  if — " 

"She  will  not  know  —  you  will  not  tell  her  of 
it?"  implored  Eunice  on  her  knees.  "  Because  if 
the  information  become  too-widely  known,  those  in 
authority  will  search  for  the  informer  and  my  brother 
will  be  put  to  death,  in  secret,  by  the  followers  of 
Dionysius.  Do  not  wake  your  mother,  sweet." 

Calanthe  raised  the  pleading  maid  and  folded  her 
in  her  soft  arms. 

"  Do  you  think  that  I  would  knowingly  bring  harm 
to  one  who  has  risked  so  much  to  save  my  Pythias 
from  dishonor?  Think  you  I  do  not  know  that  if 
your  brother  did  but  submit  to  bribery,  he  could  have 
made  a  goodly  sum  and  no  one  would  have  been  the 
wiser?  I  would  have  ta'en  my  mother  with  me  as 
protection." 

"  Aratus  will  be  our  protection,"  answered  Eunice, 
wrapping  her  mistress  closely  in  her  mantle.  "  He 
would  kill  one  who'd  dare  to  interfere  with  our 
progress.  For,  as  you  know,  his  worship  of  your 
sweet  self  is  as  profound  as  mine  own." 


IN  THE  DEAD  OF  NIGHT          129 

Silently,  with  cautious  step,  the  two  maidens  sought 
the  inner  courtyard.  At  their  approach  Aratus  ran 
to  the  heavy  portal  and  swung  it  wide. 

"  Be  careful  lest  it  clang,"  warned  Eunice,  bracing 
her  slim,  young  body  against  the  oaken  panels,  to 
decrease  its  impetus.  "  Now  that  we  are  safely  out, 
we  must  do  naught  to  arouse  suspicion." 

"  We  must  not  go  by  the  road,"  announced  Ca- 
lanthe  as  she  caught  sight  of  the  dazzling  white 
stretch  that  led  to  the  dwelling  of  Pythias.  "  Let 
us  through  the  garden,  then  along  the  wooded  path 
that  follows  the  brook  in  whose  purling  waters  we 
bathed  our  ankles  that  day,  so  many  months  ago, 
when  first  my  Pythias  saw  me." 

"  It  is  a  longer  way,"  objected  Aratus,  who  lived  in 
dread  lest  the  knaves  return  and  bribe  his  associates 
while  he  was  absent. 

"  It  is  a  safer  way,"  reproved  Calanthe.  "  And 
it  is  wise  to  sacrifice  time  to  safety,  when  we  are  sur- 
rounded by  plotters  all  intent  upon  our  downfall. 
Lead  the  way,  Eunice." 

The  three  figures,  now  hid  in  the  complete  ob- 
scurity of  dense,  overhanging  foliage,  now  distinct, 
where  the  silver  rays  penetrated  to  small  cleared 
spaces,  moved  silently  on  their  way. 

Strange  wood-calls  that  sounded  ghostly  on  the 
silent  night,  made  the  maidens  shrink  more  closely 
into  their  all-enveloping  mantles.  Obsessed  by  the 


130  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

weirdness  of  the  night  and  the  unearthly  radiance  of 
the  moon,  Calanthe  thought  of  Hecati  and  wondered 
if  she  were  wandering  at  large. 

She  uttered  a  wild,  little  cry  and  clutched  at 
Eunice's  arm. 

"We  have  reached  the  outer  hedge,"  the  maid 
reassured  her.  "  Just  a  step  inside  and  we  are  safe. 
Aratus,  quicken  your  steps  and  rouse  Pythias'  slave. 
He  sleeps  outside  his  master's  chamber.  Tell  him 
to  give  message  that  Calanthe  awaits  him,  in  the 
garden.  Haste,  for  the  cold  night  has  chilled  her 
hands  and  tremors  shake  her  form." 

In  the  black  shade  of  an  arbor  "of  evergreens,  Ca- 
lanthe clung  to  Eunice  and  watched,  with  suspense- 
sharpened  eyes  for  first  sight  of  her  lover.  The 
minutes  seemed  an  eternity.  She  felt  her  knees  lose 
their  strength.  Her  brain  reeled  in  bewilderment. 
What  was  the  delay?  Had  he  sickened?  Had  he 
been  slain  on  his  couch?  Had  Dionysius — ? 

Suddenly,  in  the  white  light  reflected  from  the 
marble  steps,  she  saw  the  form  of  her  knight.  As 
he  advanced  the  moon  caught  the  glitter  of  his  hel- 
met and  made  it  a  dazzling  crown  for  his  handsome 
face. 

Calanthe,  not  recovered  from  the  shock  of  her 
rude  awakening,  exhausted  from  her  hurried  journey 
through  the  woodland  and  torn  with  the  agony  of 
suspense,  watched  his  approach.  But  the  sight  of 


IN  THE  DEAD  OF  NIGHT          131 

him  in  all  his  strength  and  beauty,  safe,  and  eager 
for  her  greeting  swept  over  her  in  a  great  engulfing 
wave  and  as  he  reached  her  side,  she  swooned  in  his 
protecting  arms. 


CHAPTER  X 

THE   PLOT   FRUSTRATED 

AT  the  stables  Lertes  held  sway  and  threat- 
ened, with  instant  punishment,  him  who 
first  showed  signs  of  flight  —  or  great  fear. 

"  I  know  no  more  of  this  sudden  riot  and  dark 
mystery  than  do  you.  Harm  threatened,  of  that 
I'm  sure.  Did  not  Aratus  warn  me  that  unless  he 
should  flee  and  carry  warning,  on  the  instant,  our 
heads  would  stain  to  sullen  crimson  the  murderous 
ax  of  the  executioner?  " 

u  And  does  belief  of  all  you  hear  penetrate  so 
sharply  to  your  brain  that  you  must  needs  follow 
every  edict  and  not  stop  to  call  your  soul  your  own  ?  " 
derisively  questioned  one  of  the  boys,  who  tended 
the  horses  of  Aristle. 

Lertes  frowned  darkly  on  the  speaker  and  shook 
a  defiant  fist  under  his  broad  and  flattened  nostrils. 

"  Give  not  tongue  to  your  ignorance  I  "  he  men- 
aced shrilly.  "  Your  closed  lips  might  vaguely  sug- 
gest that  pearls  of  wisdom  fell  from  their  shelter. 
But  when  you  separate  their  closeness  and  sounds  do 
issue  from  between,  then  are  all  thoughts  of  wisdom 
but  a  merry  jest  —  and  you  the  jester!  " 

132 


THE  PLOT  FRUSTRATED          133 

"  What  waked  the  steeds  when  they  had  but  just 
fallen  to  slumber?  "  questioned  another,  rubbing  his 
heavy,  red-rimmed  eyes  and  showing  his  huge  teeth 
in  an  all-enveloping  yawn. 

"  That  I  know  not,"  acknowledged  Lertes,  "  nor 
does  anyone  of  us  save  Aratus.  And  he  fled  with 
such  suddenness  that  not  a  word  of  information  was 
forthcoming.  He  will  tell  us  all  when  he  returns." 

"  But  will  he  return?  "  asked  a  third,  stretching 
his  limbs  so  tautly  that  his  joints  cracked  in  rebel- 
lion. "  I  trust  him  not.  He  is  too  learned,  too 
given  to  dreams  and  too  full  of  devotion  to  his  mas- 
ters. Will  he  return?  " 

"  What  advantage  to  him  not  to?  "  argued  Lertes, 
not  finding  logical  denial  to  launch  against  this  latest 
skeptic.  "  Voice  no  more  of  your  doubts  and  mis- 
givings for  should  he  return  laden  with  rewards  to  be- 
stow on  us  for  having  done  our  duty,  I  will  see  to  it 
that  he  who  was  most  distrustful  goes  forth  with 
empty  palms  to  seek  position  elsewhere." 

The  Arabian  steeds  of  Pythias,  unused  to  strange 
voices  and  chafing  at  the  absence  of  Aratus  and  his 
caressing  pats,  pulled  at  their  ropes  and  shook  their 
manes  from  side  to  side,  until  the  evenly  combed 
hairs  were  all  atangle. 

Lertes  entered  the  stall  of  Mentum  and  sought 
to  quiet  his  exhibitions  of  ugly  temper.  He  reached 
up  and  strove  to  smooth  the  arched  neck,  as  he  had 
seen  Aratus  do.  The  thankless  animal,  as  reward, 


i34  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

swooped  down  and  caught  his  tunic  between  his 
strong,  even  teeth.  Then  with  his  struggling,  kick- 
ing burden  he  tossed  his  head  and  struck  first  one 
wall,  then  the  other  with  the  helpless  Lertes,  while 
the  boy's  comrades  looked  on  aghast  and  motion- 
less. 

"  Kick  him  I  Lash  him !  Help  me !  "  gurgled 
the  powerless  one  as  his  shins  came  in  sharp  contact 
with  the  stone-edge. 

But  rather  than  risk  their  sound  limbs  and  cow- 
ardly hides  to  the  viciousness  of  the  exasperated 
steed,  they  watched  their  companion  receive  bruise 
after  bruise,  and  lifted  not  a  finger  to  aid  him  in  his 
peril. 

Suddenly  there  was  a  sound  of  scurrying  feet  and 
Aratus  and  Pythias  dashed  into  the  stables  and  made 
for  the  spot  where  the  craven  group  watched  the 
antics  of  the  enraged  Mentum. 

"Down!"  shouted  Aratus  in  ringing  tones. 
"  What  means  this  display  of  temper,  O  wicked  one? 
The  whip  shall  greet  your  hide  for  this !  " 

Mentum,  at  the  first  familiar  syllable,  pricked  up 
his  narrow  pointed  ears  and  dropped  his  victim  in 
a  sudden  heap.  As  Lertes  scrambled  to  his  feet  and 
dashed  from  the  stall  to  guard  against  a  possible 
repetition,  the  horse  hung  his  head  and  looked  sadly, 
but  with  a  tinge  of  drollery,  from  the  corner  of  his 
large,  soft  eyes. 

His  dilated  nostrils  quivered  sensitively  and  he 


THE  PLOT  FRUSTRATED  135 

sought  to  condone  his  sudden  aggression  by  laying 
his  head  softly  on  the  shoulder  of  the  stern  Aratus, 
who  was  about  to  administer  punishment. 

"  Do  not  lash  him,"  interposed  Pythias,  placing 
a  protecting  hand  on  his  well-loved  favorite.  "  He 
was  disturbed  at  the  clamor  and  missed  your  touch 
to  quiet  him." 

Aratus,  only  too  glad  of  an  excuse  to  pet  the  ani- 
mal, dropped  the  leathern  thong  to  the  floor  of  the 
stall,  whence  as  if  in  gentle  rebuke,  Mentum  lifted 
it  between  his  teeth  and  laid  it  carefully  in  Aratus' 
palm. 

"  I  will  make  it  right  with  the  boy  who  suffered 
through  his  playfulness,"  said  Pythias,  looking  to 
the  corner  where  Lertes,  nursing  his  cuts  and  bruises, 
glowered,  while  they  made  much  of  the  animal  who 
had  just  treated  him  so  harshly. 

"  We  have  no  time  to  lose,"  warned  Aratus,  as 
Pythias,  his  cheek  pressed  closely  to  that  of  the  cul- 
prit, whispered  words  of  consolation  into  his  listen- 
ing ear. 

"  Yes,  we  must  act  quickly,"  he  agreed,  stepping 
outside  the  stall  and  advancing  to  where  the  boys 
stood,  their  mouths  wide  with  curiosity,  their  eyes 
dulled  from  disturbed  slumbers.  "  I  will  explain  the 
case  in  few  words.  Do  you  all  pay  strict  attention, 
grasp  well  my  instructions  and  in  the  end  will  you  all 
profit!  A  silver  piece  to  each  who  does  well  what 
he  is  bidden." 


136  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

The  situation  having  assumed  a  definite  monetary 
value,  the  interest  shown  became  vital.  They 
crowded  close  about  the  young  general,  fearful  of 
losing  a  word  that  might  aid  them  in  the  performance 
of  his  demands.  Even  Lertes,  whose  soul  was 
wounded  far  more  deeply  than  his  flesh,  pressed  close 
and  forgot  his  animosity  of  a  moment  since. 

*  You  all  were  on  the  streets  of  Syracuse  this  day 
and  saw  the  people  welcome  me  from  my  Cartha- 
ginian triumphs/'  said  Pythias,  with  not  a  vestige  of 
the  braggart  in  his  words.  "  My  reception  has  not 
pleased  one  who  is  most  powerful  in  the  city  and  he 
has  plotted  to  cause  my  defeat  in  to-morrow's  contest 
in  the  arena. 

"  My  horses  are  to  be  driven  and  purposely  tired, 
while  Syracuse  sleeps;  so  that  after  the  first  dash  of 
the  race,  the  steeds  of  Aristle,  fresh  from  their  sta- 
bles, will  far  outstrip  me.  Thus  has  Dionysius 
planned  for  my  downfall.  Two  ruffians  will  visit  the 
stables,  perform  the  deed  and  receive  as  payment  a 
bag  of  gold. 

"  I  have  come  to  defeat  their  plans  and  I  desire 
your  aid.  If  you  had  assisted  them  in  their  foul 
purpose  they  would  have  bestowed,  as  bribe  money, 
not  more  than  five  drachmas  apiece;  while  I  will 
give,  for  faithful  service  and  a  quiet  tongue,  a  silver 
piece  to  all  alike." 

Aratus  walked  to  the  stalls  of  his  charges,  untied 
the  ropes  that  held  two  captive  and  led  them  to  the 


THE  PLOT  FRUSTRATED  137 

center  of  the  stable  floor.  Pythias  seized  the  hal- 
ters and  waited  till  Aratus  had  released  the  two  re- 
maining. He  then  led  the  way  to  another  section 
of  the  stables  and  halted  before  the  stalls  where  the 
horses  of  Aristle  were  confined. 

"  Loose  their  halters !  "  he  commanded  Aratus, 
"  and  lead  them  to  the  other  section." 

At  first  comprehension  of  the  plan  on  foot,  the 
swarthy  stable  boy  in  the  service  of  Aristle,  the  fore- 
most charioteer  of  Sicily,  darted  under  the  arm  of 
Pythias  and  made  for*  the  open  door. 

"  Pursue  him !  "  Aratus  raised  the  cry.  "  A 
double  reward  for  him  who  makes  the  capture !  " 

In  but  a  moment  they  dragged  him  back,  protesting 
all  in  vain,  his  clothing  caked  with  mud  where  they 
had  thrown  him  to  the  ground. 

"Thought  you  to  warn  your  master?"  queried 
Pythias.  "  'Twas  a  loyal  attempt  and  so  shall  I  tell 
him  when  the  race  is  o'er  and  I  have  won.  For 
the  present  you  shall  be  bound  and  gagged  so  that 
when  the  scoundrels  come  again,  your  lamentations 
will  be  choked  to  silence.  Bind  him  securely,  you 
others,  and  cast  him  where  the  eyes  of  the  intruders 
will  find  him  not." 

A  gag  of  hay  forced  between  the  complaining  lips 
prevented  all  sound  from  escaping.  The  squirming 
arms  and  kicking  legs  were  bound  securely  at  wrist 
and  ankle  with  slender  leathern  thongs  that  bit  deep. 

Thus,  securely  guarded  against  future  outbreaks,, 


138  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

the  helpless  form  was  borne  to  an  inner  room  where 
were  stored  the  worn  trappings  and  harnesses  of 
other  years. 

"  The  time  draws  near  for  a  second  attempt.'1 
Pythias  walked  to  the  window  and  surveyed  the  scene 
before  him.  At  the  base  of  the  hill,  he  thought  he 
discerned  two  black  specks  creeping  from  shadow  to 
shadow.  He  rubbed  his  eyes  and  looked  more 
closely.  Just  then  they  reached  a  space  that  was 
without  shadow.  He  saw  one  man  leap  with  great 
bounds  across  the  moonlit  spot.  In  sudden  anger 
he  turned  from  the  window. 

u  Even  now  they  mount  the  hill!  "  he  shouted  to 
the  boys  who  eagerly  awaited  the  signal  to  take  part 
in  this  exciting  comedy.  "  Remember  well  my  warn- 
ing. Cast  yourselves  about  the  floor  and  assume  at- 
titudes of  deep  slumber.  When  they  enter,  do  not 
stir.  If  they  should  trip  over  your  prostrate  bodies, 
make  no  sign.  I  would  enjoin  you  to  be  most  care- 
ful, for  if  they  detect  that  you  are  but  acting, —  in- 
flamed with  wine,  as  they  are,  they  might  do  vio- 
lence and  turn  this  jest  of  ours  to  tragedy.  As  for 
myself,  I  will  seek  concealment  in  the  stores  of  hay. 
From  that  shelter  I  can  watch  the  proceedings,  un- 
seen and  unheard.  Haste !  For  I  hear  their  heavy 
feet  crunch  into  the  gravel  of  the  roadway." 

The  scene  that  met  the  eyes  of  the  two  hirelings 
was  one  of  utter  peace  and  quiet.  Here  and  there 
the  sleeping  form  of  a  stable  boy  was  lighted  by  the 


THE  PLOT  FRUSTRATED          139 

moonbeams  that  penetrated  to  the  main  corridor. 
The  horses  in  their  stalls,  quieted  but  not  yet  asleep, 
nodded  drowsily. 

The  taller  of  the  two  grasped  the  arm  of  his  com- 
panion and  pointed  a  finger  of  scorn  at  the  sleepers. 

"  Did  I  not  tell  you  that  they  would  be  our  last 
fear?"  he  questioned  boastfully,  and  with  strange 
mouthings,  due  to  recent  draughts  of  wine.  "  Mighty 
guardians  of  blooded  steeds  are  they!  See  their 
deathlike  stupor.  One  could  blow  a  trumpet  blast 
and  succeed  only  in  ruffling  their  dreams !  They  are 
but  poor  beasts,  who  are  driven  to  work,  that  they 
have  food  to  place  between  their  lips.  While  we, 
just  for  a  night's  pastime  such  as  this,  are  presented 
with  a  double  purse  of  gold  and  are  enabled  to  feast 
for  weeks  to  come.  'Tis  well  to  be  born  with  skill." 

Pythias,  secreted  in  the  hay,  began  to  suffer  from 
the  intense  heat.  If  they  would  but  hasten  to  their 
deed  and  give  him  freedom!  He  stretched  forth 
his  hand  and  pulled  loose  a  small  clump  that  choked 
his  breathing.  As  the  cool  air  greeted  his  nostrils 
he  breathed  deeply. 

The  shorter  rascal,  who  was  bent  on  untying  the 
first  horse,  rushed  from  the  stall  and  clutched  fran- 
tically at  his  accomplice's  arm. 

"  What  was't?  "  he  gasped,  his  swollen  eyes  blink- 
ing in  terror,  his  unsteady  knees  clicking  in  comic 
manner. 

"What  was  what?"  blandly  inquired  the  other, 


140  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

throwing  off  his  uncomfortably  tight  grip.  "  Ne'er 
shall  I  take  you  again  on  such  errand.  You  would 
shatter  the  calm  of  the  surest  of  men,  with  your  wild 
gibberings  and  your  hearing  of  sounds  that  never 
were  born.  When  next  I  am  commissioned  to  carry 
out  a  difficult  problem  you  shall  remain  at  home. 
And  when  I  return  victorious,  you,  white-livered 
craven,  shall  sit  the  other  side  of  the  table  and  try 
to  stem  the  tides  that  rise  from  your  watering  lips, 
as  I  quaff  bowl  after  bowl  and  offer  you  none." 

Thus  threatened  with  an  arid  future,  the  timorous 
one  took  courage  and  led  two  of  the  horses  from 
their  stalls. 

"  See,"  he  mocked  in  newly-acquired  bravado,  "  I 
can  kick  the  hounds  and  rouse  them  not!  " 

He  applied  his  broad  knobby  toes  to  the  back  of 
the  feigning  Aratus.  The  slim  body  lifted  slightly 
from  the  floor,  in  obedience  to  the  kick,  and,  when 
it  was  withdrawn,  sank,  as  supine  as  before. 

This  caused  great  mirth  between  the  two.  And 
if  it  had  not  happened  that  the  wiser  one,  through 
his  soddenness,  awoke  to  the  realization  that  dawn 
was  not  far  distant,  the  foolish  member  would  have 
spent  the  hours  that  were  to  come  in  lavishly  dis- 
tributing all  kicks  that  he  was  capable  of  admin- 
istering. 

Carefully  they  piloted  the  four  steeds  to  the  open 
doorway.  Each,  after  many  unsuccessful  attempts, 
mounted  one  and  led  the  other  by  shortened  halter. 


THE  PLOT  FRUSTRATED          141 

Down  the  hillside,  in  a  direction  opposite  to  the  city, 
they  galloped.  As  the  echoing  hoof  beats  grew 
fainter  and  fainter,  Pythias  crawled  from  his  lair, 
wellnigh  spent  with  the  humid  heat,  and  roused  his 
conspirators. 

Unfastening  a  leathern  pouch  from  his  wide  belt 
he  presented  a  silver  piece  to  each.  Unrestrained 
joy  reigned.  Not  only  was  the  pay  munificent,  but 
the  complete  deception  delighted  their  souls.  For, 
in  the  frail  mind  of  each  of  us  lurks  the  fond  thought 
that  he  shelters  the  genius  of  an  actor. 

While  the  happy  ones  joined  hands  and  jumped 
about  in  high  glee,  Pythias  entered  the  room  of  old 
harnesses  and  trappings.  Squirming  on  the  floor, 
in  a  dark,  cobwebbed  corner,  lay  the  gagged  and 
bound  stable  boy  of  Aristle,  bitter  hatred  and  revolt 
shining  from  his  flashing  eyes. 

Pythias  bent,  loosened  the  clenched  fingers  of  one 
bound  hand  and  placed  in  the  hot,  wet  palm,  six 
coins  of  silver. 


CHAPTER  XI 

THE   RACE 

DAWN  broke,  mauve  and  silver,  from  the 
horizon  of  the  sea.  It  coated  the  still 
waters  with  a  frostlike  sheen,  that  warmed 
gradually  to  color.  It  deepened  from  mauve  to  dull 
rose,  from  rose  to  pink,  from  pink  to  scarlet  and 
gold;  until  the  vaulted  skies  reflected  its  radiance 
and  the  feathery  clouds  curled  soft  corners  and  dyed 
themselves  in  its  shades. 

The  hush  over  the  city  of  Syracuse  lifted,  first 
with  low,  indistinct  rumbling  as  of  preparation  far 
distant,  that  shook  the  surface  of  the  earth.  Later, 
the  monotony  of  sound  was  punctuated  here  and  there 
by  a  shrill  call,  a  crash  of  metal  gates  and  the  excited 
conversation  of  gathering  crowds. 

Looking  down  from  the  Circus  Hill,  the  narrow 
streets  and  by-ways  assumed  the  appearance  of  an  un- 
covered beehive.  Streams  of  humanity  moving,  yet 
having  no  definite  objective  point,  wound  in  and  out 
the  gayly  decorated  houses. 

In  the  richer  neighborhoods,  the  gates  remained 
closed.  But  in  the  gardens,  slaves  ran  excitedly  to 
and  fro.  Handmaidens  gathered  sheafs  of  rich 
blooms  for  their  mistresses'  litters.  Stable  boys 

142 


THE  RACE  143 

groomed  stamping  horses  and  guardians  of  the  wine 
cellars  filled  huge  flagons  with  gold  and  ruby  liquids. 

In  the  apartment  of  Calanthe,  Eunice,  wan  from 
insufficient  sleep,  took  from  its  wardrobe  the  tunic 
of  silver  cloth  embroidered  with  coral  beads  that 
her  mistress  was  to  wear  to  the  games.  Calanthe, 
in  her  bath,  sang  softly  a  simple  melody  taught  her 
by  an  old  nurse. 

"  Do  you  not  feel  the  thrill  that  throbs  through 
the  very  air?"  she  demanded  eagerly.  "  'Tis  a 
wondrous  day!  Think  you  that  ever  before  had 
maiden  so  much  happiness  crowded  into  a  single 
block  of  hours?  First  the  games  and  the  chariot 
race  in  which  her  lover  will  be  victor!  Then  — " 

"  Hush !  "  Eunice  bade  her  in  sudden  apprehen- 
sion. 'l  When  you  are  so  sure  of  victory  it  is  but 
tempting  the  gods  to  thwart  your  assurance.  Since 
our  troublous  night  I  have  had  strange  misgivings. 
If  the  subterfuge  were  discovered !  If  Dionysius  — " 

A  handmaiden  folded  a  fleecy  robe  about  the  glis- 
tening, wet  body  of  her  young  mistress.  Calanthe 
stepped  from  the  pool  and  threw  herself  at  length 
upon  a  couch. 

"  If  it  were  not  imperative  that  I  be  robed  so 
early  to  proceed  to  the  Circus,  I  would  love  it  well 
to  slumber  but  a  little  while  longer.  My  broken 
rest  and  our  strange  errand,  in  the  dead  of  night, 
have  weighted  my  eyelids.  But  was  it  not  an  unusual 
adventure?'7  she  finished,  enthusiastically. 


144  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

Her  maidens,  with  soft  cloths,  dipped  into  jars 
of  porcelain  and  gently  rubbed  her  rosy  flesh  with 
perfumes  and  nourishing  oils.  She  lay  looking  up 
with  dreamy  eyes  at  the  star-flecked  ceiling  of  her 
chamber. 

"  No  one  but  Eunice  may  arrange  my  tresses  on 
this  day,"  she  said,  glancing  with  deep  affection  at 
her  favorite  maid.  "  And  it  must  be  so  marvelously 
done  that  when  my  Pythias  gazes  upon  me,  from 
his  chariot,  in  the  arena,  his  heart  will  bound  with 
pride  in  his  possession !  " 

"  Has  his  heart  not  bounded  thus,  always,  since 
the  first  moment  your  sweet  lips  agreed  to  be  be- 
trothed to  him?"  questioned  Eunice,  indulgent  in 
her  adoration.  "  I  fear  you  wish  to  attract  the 
glances  of  others  that  they  may  whisper,  '  All  his 
luck  lies  not  in  the  games.  Look  what  a  pearl  be- 
yond price  he  takes  to  his  bosom  to-day !  '  Is  that 
not  so,  spoiled  one  ?  " 

"  No,  it  is  not  so !  "  was  the  indignant  denial,  as 
Calanthe  sat  erect  to  add  vehemence  to  her  words. 
"  And  yet,"  she  mused  naively,  "  it  will  be  well  for 
the  criminal  and  ill-featured  Dionysius  to  see  that 
which  he  has  so  completely  lost." 

"  Rid  your  mind  of  such  worldly  thoughts !  " 
Eunice  exclaimed  in  mock-reproof.  u  On  the  wed- 
ding day  of  maid  must  no  thought  of  other  than  her 
lover  dwell,  even  for  an  instant,  in  her  pretty  head. 
If  Pythias  but  knew  your  designs  in  making  your 


THE  RACE  145 

appearance  so  wonderfully  alluring,  then  would  he 
shroud  your  features  in  a  thick  veil  and  drape  your 
rounded  form  with  mantles  not  transparent." 

Calanthe  raised  her  glowing  arms  and  sighed  hap- 
pily. 

"  That  will  come  soon  enough,"  she  pouted. 
"  For  from  this  night  forth,  it  will  be  expected  of 
me  that  I  consider  all  the  earth  populated  by  just 
one  man  —  and  that  my  husband." 

She  ran  to  the  edge  of  the  pool  and  gazed  long 
upon  her  reflection  there. 

"Am  I  beautiful  enough  for  him?"  she  asked  at 
length,  a  shadow  of  doubt  creeping  into  her  voice. 
"  In  this  new  tunic  I  have  not  the  youthful  look  that 
I  have  been  accustomed  to  gaze  upon.  A  sedate- 
ness  rests  upon  my  shoulders  that  makes  me  fear  to 
look  too  close,  lest  I  see  age  creep  on  with  stealthy 
step." 

"  Foolish  girl !  "  Eunice  shook  her  playfully  and 
pulled  loose  a  curl  or  two  that  they  might  rest  lov- 
ingly upon  the  damask  cheek.  "  The  breaking  dawn 
envies  your  fresh  beauty.  'Tis  the  fault  of  the  tunic. 
The  rich  material  and  the  stiffness  of  its  folds  con- 
ceals the  youthful  grace  of  your  figure." 

"  Then  will  I  wear  one  I  have  worn  before.  Bring 
me  one  of  azure  and  bind  my  hair  with  silver  fillets. 
Oh,  Eunice,  I  desire  much  to  don  my  wedding  robes 
and  catch  but  a  tiny  glance  of  my  reflection  in  their 
chaste  beauty.  But  my  mother  says  that  the  wear- 


146  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

ing  of  a  bridal  robe  before  the  bridal  hour  presages 
ill.  Think  you  the  tale  is  true  ?  " 

"  I  think  whate'er  your  mother  speaks  is  truth," 
replied  Eunice,  shocked  at  the  thought  of  doubting 
her  elders.  "  Come,  hasten,  Calanthe !  Slip  your 
feet  into  the  silver  sandals  that  I  may  adjust  the 
straps.  There  is  still  much  to  do  and  our  appear- 
ance at  the  Circus  must  not  be  delayed." 

"  I  would  not  give  thought  to  starting  for  a  full 
hour,  or  still  longer,"  objected  Calanthe.  "  None 
but  the  rabble  enters  the  gates  of  the  Circus  at  this 
hour.  The  noble  and  very  rich,  with  seats  procured, 
make  their  entrance  but  just  before  the  start." 

From  the  streets  arose  a  very  hubbub  of  cheers; 
and  voices,  some  dissenting,  some  with  hearty  words 
of  greeting,  intermingling  with  shrill  accusation, 
floated  in  through  the  heavy  draperies.  Snatching 
up  a  veil  Calanthe  wound  it  round  her  head  and 
shoulders  and  drew  Eunice  out  on  the  balcony  beside 
her. 

"  Oh,  is't  not  wonderful?  "  she  breathed  in  hushed 
tones.  "  Ne'er  before,  in  this  short  memory  of 
mine,  has  the  scene  been  so  amazing." 

Calanthe  threw  her  arms  about  her  maid  and  held 
her  tightly,  in  a  sudden  rush  of  ecstasy.  Thus, 
clasped  closely,  they  surveyed  the  bustle  of  the  scene 
before  them. 

In  Syracuse,  on  a  day  of  this  sort,  the  games  were 
free ;  therefore,  at  the  first  hour  of  dawn,  the  rabble, 


THE  RACE  147 

fearful  lest  there  be  not  room  for  all,  despite  the 
huge  capacity  of  the  Circus,  wound  their  way  from 
the  city's  streets  to  camp  about  the  entrance  gates. 

This  struggling  stream  of  humanity  was  now  in 
progress.  It  wound,  snakewise,  from  the  Senate 
Square,  up  to  the  portals,  where  it  seemed  to  flatten 
and  spread.  Only  the  Circus  attendants  knew  what 
scenes  of  violent  contention  would  take  place  when 
first  the  blast  sounded  as  signal  for  the  swinging  in 
of  the  huge,  bronze-bound  gates. 

And  once  admitted,  would  they  feast  and  doze 
upon  the  benches,  whence  naught  but  an  upheaval  of 
the  earth  or  a  menacing  group  of  short  swords  could 
drive  them  forth. 

"  What  is  it  they  bear  in  their  arms?  "  questioned 
Calanthe,  looking  upon  the  queer  bundles  of  all  sizes 
and  shapes. 

"  Food,  wine,  robes  to  protect  against  the  elements, 
if  the  elements  do  protest,"  Eunice  told  her.  "  They 
go  prepared  for  comfort  for  the  day.  These  great 
times  come  but  seldom  in  the  poorer  man's  existence, 
and  when  they  do,  he  gets  from  them  all  the  gayety 
they  contain." 

"  Oh,  let  us  haste  to  the  scene,  ourselves!  "  urged 
Calanthe.  "  I  would  be  seated  to  view  this  strange 
assemblage  burst  into  the  Circus  and  find  their  places. 
iWould  it  not  be  sport,  Eunice,  to  see  it  all,  aye,  from 
the  very  beginning?  " 

"  Your  mother  would  not  allow  it.     Neither  would 


i48  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

Pythias  countenance  your  presence  there  before  the 
proper  time.  Besides,  the  garlands  for  your  litter 
will  have  to  be  exchanged.  I  had  given  orders  that 
they  were  to  be  of  coral-colored  blooms  to  match 
the  coral  beading  of  your  tunic.  And  now,  since  you 
have  changed  to  azure,  must  white  be  substituted? 
Wilt  change  your  mind  in  love,  as  easily  as  in  cos- 
tume? "  she  asked  playfully. 

Outside  the  entrance  gates  of  the  Circus  all  was 
confusion.  The  first  arrivals,  in  fear  of  being  dis- 
placed from  their  position,  flattened  themselves 
against  the  massive,  oaken  panels,  so  that  when  the 
signal  sounded  and  the  gates  swung  in,  they  would 
be  the  first  to  enter. 

They  did  not  stop  to  calculate  that,  in  the  fearful 
pressure,  the  impetus  with  which  the  crowd  behind 
pressed  upon  them  would  result  in  their  being  cast 
to  the  ground,  where  over  their  prostrate  bodies  the 
others  would  rush  in  and  there  seek  choice  position. 

Grasping  their  bundles  closely,  with  faces  strained 
and  eyes  darting  from  side  to  side,  they  waited  for 
the  signal. 

Suddenly  the  air  was  rent  with  a  shrill  blast. 
Three  times  it  sounded.  Dead  silence  followed. 
Then  there  fell  upon  the  ear  the  harsh  brazen  clang 
of  a  huge  metal  gong,  struck  with  iron  hammers. 

As  the  last  stroke  died  upon  the  dawn,  the  massive 


THE  RACE  149 

bolts  of  the  Circus  portals  were  shot  back  and  slowly 
they  yawned  on  their  hinges. 

Into  the  emptiness  shot  the  mob  as  if  projected 
from  a  catapult.  Those  in  the  van  were  over- 
whelmed as  they  had  been  many  times  before.  And 
while  they  struggled,  prostrate,  to  maintain  their  hold 
upon  their  treasures,  they  shouted  hoarse  curses  at 
their  oppressors. 

In  an  incredibly  short  time  the  unreserved  spaces 
were  filled,  with  no  chance  of  any  future  arrival  find- 
ing room.  It  now  remained  for  the  nobles  and  the 
very  rich  to  make  their  entrance.  This,  as  much  as 
the  games  that  followed,  delighted  the  soul  of  the 
proletariat.  For,  on  this  day,  was  all  the  splendor 
of  wealth  and  position  flaunted  in  extravagant  glare. 
The  classes  came  to  be  admired,  the  masses  to  envy 
and  give  homage  —  as  it  has  been  and  always  will 
be,  world  without  end. 

When  the  first  sharp  rays  of  the  morning  sun 
slanted  up  from  the  horizon  line  and  struck  the  edges 
of  the  roof-tops,  the  procession  of  wealth  began. 

Warriors,  resplendent  in  full  regalia,  their  breast- 
plates dazzling  mirrors  for  the  rising  sun,  strode  in 
on  foot,  followed  by  their  vassals  laden  with  various 
aids  to  their  comfort. 

Statesmen,  with  white  togas  edged  in  scarlet  and 
purple;  rich  merchants  whose  robes  were  overladen 
with  trimmings  of  great  cost,  so  that  they  might  im- 


150  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

press  more  deeply  the  success  they  had  made  in 
trade. 

Beautiful  women  in  shimmering  draperies,  lounged 
upon  silken  cushions,  in  their  covered  litters,  and 
were  borne  to  their  private  boxes  by  ebony-skinned 
slaves.  Children  in  short,  full  tunics  and  bare  dim- 
pled knees,  drank  enthusiasm  from  their  elders  and 
waved  gay  banners  in  the  crowd. 

Preceded  by  six  attendants  bearing  bowls  and  cov- 
ered dishes,  from  which  there  were  wafted  savory 
odors  that  assailed  the  nostrils  of  the  hungry,  Diony- 
sius,  seated  in  a  huge  chair  of  gilded  woods,  cush- 
ioned in  purple,  made  his  entrance. 

He  had  discarded  his  armor.  Upon  his  brow  his 
fast-thinning  locks  were  bound  by  a  golden  band. 
His  frame  was  folded  in  a  black  mantle,  broidered 
with  a  design  of  golden  laurel  leaves. 

The  rabble,  realizing  that  this  was  an  entrance  of 
the  first  magnitude,  got  to  its  feet,  and  cheered  madly. 
The  chair  was  borne  around  the  arena,  skirting  close 
to  the  lowest  tier,  so  that  all  might  see  the  Great 
One.  Dionysius  lifted  a  bored  hand  in  greeting,  as 
the  people  of  Syracuse  shouted  their  enthusiasm.  It 
was  the  cause  of  comments,  as  he  meant  it  should  be. 

But,  in  his  sunken  breast,  the  triumph  in  his  heart 
was  pounding  thickly  and  his  brain  conceived  the 
thought : 

"  A  step  nearer.  There  are  not  many  left  for  me 
to  travel.  I  have  the  people  with  me." 


THE  RACE  151 

Some  one  called  his  name.  It  was  taken  up  on 
all  sides  and  soon  all  the  Circus  rang  with  shrill  cries 
of  "  Dion-ysius-s-s !  " 

His  four  stout  servants  bore  him  up  an  aisle  and 
rested  his  chair  in  the  exact  center  of  his  box.  Im- 
mediately was  he  followed  there  by  Damocles  and 
Philistius. 

"  We  have  done  well  to  rouse  enthusiasm  of  such 
power,"  commented  Damocles,  with  a  chuckle  of 
smug  satisfaction. 

"We?"  Dionysius'  brows  arched  themselves  in 
derision.  "  And  what  have  you  done,  O  noble  sir, 
to  further  the  enthusiasm?  Did  the  crowd  perceive 
your  Apollo-like  physique  in  my  wake  ?  Or  did  you 
cast  coins  to  the  rabble  and  thus  move  them  to  this 
great  display  of  spirit?  " 

"  I  did  neither,"  was  the  irate  retort.  "  That 
show  of  patriotic  fire  was  not  a  case  of  spontaneity. 
It  is  the  result  of  hard  and  honest  labors  on  the  part 
of  Philistius  and  myself.  We  are  the  ones  who 
have  educated  the  citizens  of  Syracuse  up  to  your 
standards.  Where  would  be  your  prospects  of  a 
throne  if  it  were  not  for  us?  Is  not  Philistius  presi- 
dent of  the  Senate?  Can  he  not  say  yea  or  nay? 
Is  it  not  to  him  you'll  look  upon  the  great  day,  to 
take  your  hand  and  lead  you  to  the  crown?  " 

Dionysius  leaned  forward  in  his  chair,  his  chin 
sunk  in  the  palm  of  his  hand,  his  brows  meeting,  in 
rounded  protuberances  over  his  nose.  His  eyes, 


152  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

baleful  from  the  depths  of  their  bony  sockets,  scored 
the  plump  anatomy  of  the  prince  of  sycophants  be- 
fore him. 

"  Philistius,  as  it  happens,  will  be  the  lucky  man 
upon  whose  arm  I'll  lean  to  ease  my  progress  to  the 
throne.  You  will  be  there  to  tread  behind.  You 
will  bear  my  mantle  and  my  reproaches.  And  if 
you  chafe  my  amiable  nature,  you  will  be  there  just 
so  long  —  and  not  a  moment  longer.  All  that  you've 
said  is  true.  But  you  have  not  laid  stress  upon  the 
fact  that,  lacking  both  Philistius  and  yourself,  Diony- 
sius  would  have  gained  the  position  that  he  sought. 
And  so  shall  it  be,  when  centuries  after  your  repute 
has  vanished  from  the  page  of  history,  will  the  fame 
of  Dionysius  blaze  from  tongue  to  tongue,  as  though 
his  life  were  but  just  lived." 

A  litter,  brilliant  with  spangled  hangings,  was  con- 
veyed past  the  box.  As  if  by  magic,  the  mask  of 
malicious  sarcasm  on  Dionysius'  face  dissolved  into 
a  veneer  of  suave  benignity.  He  smiled.  The  fair 
occupant  fell  back,  panting,  on  her  pillows.  The 
mighty  one  had  shown  his  favor!  The  little  by- 
play was  not  lost  upon  the  two  men.  This  was  but 
another  mild  proof  of  the  hold  that  the  warrior  gen- 
eral exerted  over  all  who  came  under  his  hypnotic 
sway. 

Damocles  spoke,  his  tones  honeyed  with  submis- 
siveness. 

"  My  hasty  speech  was  born  of  that  same  physical 


THE  RACE  153 

upset  of  which  I  did  complain  yesterday.  My  stom- 
ach is  so  — " 

u  Truths  that  would  not  otherwise  fall  upon  the 
outside  air,  find  utterance  from  an  afflicted  stomach. 
When  a  man  is  bent  with  suffering,  it  matters  not, 
at  the  moment,  whether  the  future  hold  for  him 
opulence  or  oblivion.  And  so  his  words  come  un- 
garnished  from  the  depths." 

Damocles  searched  for  phrases  to  smooth  the  ire 
of  his  lord  —  and  found  them  not.  No  one,  but 
himself,  knew  how  he  had  lost  slumber,  performed 
distasteful  errands  and  risked  the  disfavor  of  his 
associates  in  the  Senate,  to  find  patronage  in  this 
man's  eyes.  And  now,  in  a  careless-uttered  accu- 
sation, had  he  destroyed  what  advancement  he  had 
achieved!  The  pity  of  it  overwhelmed  him.  He 
huddled  into  his  billows  of  fat  and  pondered  on  his 
desolateness. 

At  the  gates  appeared  another  procession.  It 
comprised  a  group  of  slaves,  two  litters  (one  mauve, 
one  azure),  with  occupants  veiled,  and  a  band  of 
graceful  handmaids,  from  whose  slim  shoulders 
hung  a  continuous  rope  of  blossoms,  that  hedged 
their  mistress  in. 

Dionysius  sat  erect,  his  eyes  strained,  his  nostrils 
quivering  in  sudden  perturbation. 

"  It  is  Calanthe  and  her  retinue,  is  it  not?"  he 
questioned  Damocles,  sharply. 

14  None  other  but  that  haughty  maid!  "  exclaimed 


154  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

the  wily  sycophant,  his  heart  aglow  at  being  again 
restored  to  the  position  of  informer.  "  See  how 
erect  she  holds  her  disdainful  head  and  her  lips  are 
curved  in  scorn  as  if  she  knew  your  eyes  were  upon 
her!" 

"They  are?"  Dionysius,  whose  eyesight,  at  a 
distance,  was  none  too  good,  laid  compelling  fingers 
on  the  arm  of  his  sycophant.  "  Look  well.  See  if 
her  glance  travels  to  this  box.  Her  own  is  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  arena,  and  perhaps  they  will  bear 
her  litter  only  halfway  'round." 

"  That  is  their  intention,"  announced  Damocles, 
as  the  gay  little  cavalcade  turned  sharply  to  the  left. 
"  Methinks  that  in  a  few  hours'  time  the  haughty 
maid,  cast  down  at  the  utter  defeat  of  her  Pythias, 
will  be  glad  to  smile  upon  your  advances.  When 
others  scorn  him  instead  of  casting  garlands  at  his 
feet,  then  will  her  scorn  become  assured.  A  maid 
of  wondrous  beauty,  accustomed  as  she  is  to  adula- 
tion, does  not  continue  to  worship  where  others  de- 
ride. That  much  have  I  culled  from  my  study  of 
human  nature,  Dionysius." 

"  We  shall  see,"  muttered  the  other.  "  And,  in 
the  seeing,  hope  that  this  profound  observation  of 
yours  have  more  weight  than  other  gems  of  your 
over-fat  philosophy." 

At  the  other  side  of  the  arena,  Calanthe's  maids 
arranged  her  chair.  Her  eyes  sought  the  gayly  dec- 
orated box  where  Dionysius  and  his  satellites  were 


THE  RACE  155 

seated.  She  would  have  rejoiced  could  she  have 
leaned  far  over  the  rail  and  shaken  a  small,  vindic- 
tive fist  at  the  base  plotter.  Instead,  she  clenched 
her  tiny  palms,  when  her  thoughts  fell  on  the  man- 
ner in  which  his  design  had  been  frustrated. 

At  last  every  available  space  was  filled.  The 
gates  were  closed  to  those  unlucky  enough  to  have 
delayed  too  long;  and  a  flourish  of  trumpets  called 
for  silence. 

Instantly  the  gaze  of  all  those  thousands  seated 
in  the  fifty  tiers  of  the  Circus  structure  was  directed 
towards  the  tribunal,  reared  on  a  stone  platform,  jut- 
ting out  over  the  arena,  opposite  the  main  entrance. 

There,  under  purple  awnings  that  later  in  the 
day,  when  the  sun  was  high,  would  cast  a  grateful 
shade,  sat  the  aedile.  The  multitude,  sunk  to  silence 
and  motionless  in  the  grim  intensity  of  their  interest, 
waited,  breathless,  for  the  first  announcement. 

A  low,  broad  entrance,  under  the  tribunal,  threw 
back  its  doors  and  slowly  there  issued  the  great  pro- 
cession. First,  the  editor  and  civic  authorities  of 
the  city,  givers  of  the  games.  They  were  resplen- 
dent in  vari-colored  robes  of  superb  quality  and  heavy 
ornamentation,  and  their  chariots  were  a  riot  of  gay 
blossoms. 

Followed,  then,  the  contestants  of  the  day,  each 
in  the  costume  in  which  he  would  wrestle,  box  or 
run.  When  this  part  of  the  procession  had  covered 
a  quarter  of  the  arena  course,  to  the  wild  cheering 


156  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

of  the  people,  all  eyes  were  again  turned  to  the  en- 
trance. 

With  a  sullen  rumbling,  faint  at  first,  then  grow- 
ing more  distinct,  the  two  chariots  dashed  into  view ; 
then  did  the  people  stand  upon  the  benches  and  the 
clamor  deepened.  Hardly  a  man  in  that  vast  as- 
sembly but  had  laid  a  wager,  no  matter  how  small, 
upon  the  outcome  of  the  race  —  hence  the  doubled 
enthusiasm. 

The  splendid  chariots,  the  one  inlaid  with  ivory 
and  silver,  the  other  rich  in  mother-of-pearl  and  thin, 
gold  lines,  were  drawn  slowly  around  the  entire 
course.  The  high-spirited  fours,  their  coats  the 
glossy  black  of  polished  jet,  lifted  their  slender  limbs 
in  haughty  consciousness  of  being  the  admired  of  the 
throng. 

As  the  chariot  of  Pythias  reached  Calanthe's  box, 
a  figure  of  noble  proportion  and  massive  head, 
wrapped  in  white-and-red  folds  of  a  senator's  toga, 
rose  from  concealment  behind  her  chair  and  waved 
a  triumphant  greeting. 

On  the  other  side  of  the  arena,  Dionysius  darted 
forward  in  his  chair. 

"  It  is  Damon !  "  he  exclaimed  excitedly.  "  I  had 
not  seen  him  enter.  Where  came  he?  By  what 
portal?  And  why  secretly?  Neither  is  his  wife 
Hermion  nor  his  boy  Xextus  with  him.  Yet,  at  sight 
of  him,  is  Pythias'  faith  in  his  own  infallibility  re- 
doubled." 


THE  RACE  157 

"  So  wonderful  is  their  friendship  !  "  supplemented 
Damocles. 

"  I  still  maintain  that  each  would  have  his  price. 
Would  there  might  be  test  of  my  assertion !  Look ! 
Here  they  come.  Note  the  fire  of  Aristle's  steeds. 
E'en  before  the  start,  do  they  show  their  superiority. 
The  plot  so  well  accomplished  as  it  was,  was  worth 
full  double  the  purchase  price." 

Calanthe's  gaze  was  fixed  upon  the  face  of  Diony- 
sius  as  her  lover's  chariot  approached  his  box. 

"  See !  "  she  bade  Damon  look,  with  sudden  in- 
tensity. "  He  consults  Damocles  and  curls  his  mouth 
corners  in  scorn.  They  are  discussing  their  vile 
plan.  Ah!  What  a  change  will  come  over  those 
two  hard  countenances  when  once  the  race  is  run!  " 

The  chariots  disappeared  whither  they  had  come. 
Now  the  crowd  settled  well  forward  in  their  seats. 
The  asdile  rose.  Few  could  hear  his  words,  but 
the  introductory  remarks  were  always  much  the  same. 
Two  heralds,  one  stationed  at  each  projecting  cor- 
ner of  the  tribunal  platform,  sounded  blasts  on  their 
trumpets. 

The  gates  flew  open  and  a  group  of  discus  throw- 
ers ran  to  the  center  of  the  arena.  The  contest  was 
close.  At  the  ending,  the  victor  was  borne  around 
the  course,  astride  the  shoulders  of  the  defeated 
athletes. 

Then  followed  foot  races,  jumping,  tests  of  en- 
durance and  wrestling  matches.  Between  each  two 


158  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

events,  the  voices  of  the  crowds  rose  to  a  babel  of 
sound.  There  were  controversies,  good-natured  and 
otherwise.  Twice  did  the  guardians  of  peace  in- 
terfere where,  on  the  commoners'  benchs,  men  grew 
too  free  with  their  blows  and  too  careless  of  their 
epithets. 

At  midday,  the  programme,  with  the  exception  of 
the  chariot  race,  was  concluded.  The  editor  an- 
nounced the  period  of  recess. 

At  once  all  those  who  had  coin  to  buy  with,  made 
hurried  exit  to  the  outside  portico,  where  the  food 
vendors  had  set  up  quarters. 

Those  remaining  in  their  seats  opened  the  vari- 
ous bundles  they  had  carried  since  dawn  and  started 
to  feast.  There  was  much  competition  in  display 
of  what  each  had  brought.  And  upon  the  quality 
of  the  bundles'  contents  was  the  caste  of  its  owner 
rated. 

At  a  table,  in  a  place  of  prominence,  reclined  Dio- 
nysius,  flanked  on  either  side  by  Damocles  and  Philis- 
tius.  They  ate  little,  but  their  purchases  of  rich  wines 
soothed  the  chief  vendor,  who  wished  all  there  as- 
sembled to  see  his  distinguished  patrons  and  judge 
his  service  accordingly. 

Nearby,  Calanthe  and  her  mother  were  seated 
with  Damon  and  Pythias.  In  answer  to  Damon's 
pleading  with  him  to  quaff  a  bowl,  to  add  strength 
to  his  wrists,  Pythias  raised  a  protesting  hand. 

"  What  need  have  I  of  artificial  strength,  born  of 


THE  RACE  159 

the  treacherous  grape?  "  he  scoffed.  "  I  leave  such 
bolstering  to  my  rival." 

He  glanced  significantly  to  where  Aristle,  having 
paused  beside  the  table  of  Dionysius,  had  raised  a 
flagon  to  his  lips.  Dionysius  caught  the  look  and, 
in  defiance,  refilled,  himself,  the  empty  tankard  that 
Aristle  set  upon  the  board. 

Pythias  leaned  close  to  Damon. 

"  If  he  will  fill  it  a  few  times  more,  then  will  it 
not  be  necessary  to  run  the  race  at  all !  What  folly 
to  befog  his  brain,  even  though  they  think  his  vic- 
tory assured!  " 

Dionysius,  misinterpreting  Pythias'  expression  for 
one  of  empty  bragging,  and  slightly  the  worse  for 
wine,  himself,  decided  that  the  time  had  come  to  per- 
form his  well-planned  maneuver  that  was  to  deflect 
any  suspicion  from  him. 

He  clapped  his  hands.  A  slave  standing  near, 
whose  eyes  had  wellnigh  fallen  from  their  sockets, 
watching  the  rare  wines  disappear  into  the  gullets 
of  his  master's  friends,  woke  from  his  trance  and 
fell  on  affrighted  knee  before  Dionysius'  couch.  In 
answer  to  the  curtly  delivered  command,  he  darted 
back  into  the  Circus. 

When  he  returned,  he  bore  on  his  left  arm  a  robe 
of  state.  Dionysius  lifted  the  folds  of  this  garment, 
extracted  what  was  hidden  underneath  and  strode  to 
the  table  where  Calanthe  and  her  party  were  feast- 
ing. 


160  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

He  bent  low  in  exaggerated  humility  and  drew 
from  under  his  mantle  a  wreath  of  laurel  leaves 
knotted  with  the  colors  of  Syracuse. 

"  I  have  brought  to  you,"  he  murmured  in  appro- 
priate tones  of  gentle  felicitation,  "  the  victor's 
crown.  E'en  before  the  race  is  run,  I  place  it  in  your 
care,  with  confidence.  For  the  victor,"  he  indicated 
Pythias  with  a  wide-swung  flourish,  "  I  am  sure, 
would  not  care  to  have  it  placed  upon  his  brow  by 
any  but  your  fair  hands." 

He  extended  the  tribute  of  honor  in  both  bony 
palms.  Calanthe,  startled,  half  rose,  but  made  no 
response.  Damon,  with  a  mighty  effort  of  will,  con- 
trolled his  clenched  fist,  in  its  upward  flight.  Pythias, 
alone,  remained  calm  and  with  the  same  expression 
of  pleased  pride  upon  his  features,  took  the  slender 
green  wreath  from  the  grasp  of  the  warlord  and 
placed  it  gently  in  Calanthe's  hands. 

"  We  will  try,  with  all  our  strength,"  he  made 
answer,  "  not  to  betray  your  fond  hopes  in  our  su- 
periority. And  in  pledge  of  it,  will  you  not  drain  a 
bowl  with  us?  " 

"  I  think  it  were  wiser  not,"  Dionysius,  non- 
plussed for  a  moment,  spoke  more  of  the  truth  than 
he  intended.  "  I  have  partaken  freely,  and,  the  heat 
of  the  day  upon  us,  my  senses  may  not  be  keen 
enough  to  appreciate  to  the  full  the  joys  of  your  tri- 
umph." 

With  an  over-low  reverence,  he  left  their  board 


THE  RACE  161 

and  found  his  way,  a  bit  uncertainly,  to  his  own  cir- 
cle. 

From  within  came  three  shrill  trumpet  blasts,  the 
signals  for  the  end  of  feasting.  Many,  leaving  their 
pages  to  pay  the  accounting,  hastened  back  to  their 
seats,  loath  to  lose  a  moment  of  the  exciting  contest 
that  w.ould  end  only  too  soon. 

Pythias  stood  erect,  extended  both  hands  to  his 
loved  one,  and  besought  her  to  set  the  seal  of  suc- 
cess upon  his  brow.  With  love  and  sincerity  and 
not  a  hint  of  abashment  at  the  scurrying  crowds, 
Calanthe  took  his  handsome  face  between  her  rosy 
palms  and  pressed  her  red  lips  to  his  forehead. 
Pythias  extended  his  right  hand  to  Damon. 

The  grip  of  the  two  whitened  the  knuckles  and 
strained  the  veins  to  prominence.  Then  released, 
their  palms  slid  gently  past  each  other,  till  only  the 
finger  tips  remained  touching. 

Back  in  the  Circus,  enthusiasm,  fortified  with  much 
food  and  wine,  had  risen  to  fever  heat.  Wild  shouts 
and  snatches  of  stirring  song  were  heard.  Men 
I  waved  banners  and  besought  all  to  become  seated  as 
quickly  as  possible,  so  that  the  great  event  of  the 
day,  upon  which  their  silver  would  be  won  or  lost, 
might  take  place. 

At  last,  confusion  silenced,  all  listened  with  alert 
ears  to  the  announcement  of  the  editor. 


1 62  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

The  course  was  two  parasangs  long.  The  start- 
ing and  finishing  point  was  the  granite  pillar  directly 
opposite  the  tribunal.  The  contestants  were  Aristle, 
first  charioteer  of  all  Sicily,  and  Pythias,  hero  of 
Carthage. 

All  this  the  crowd  already  knew.  But  they  lis- 
tened with  as  much  intensity  as  if  they  were  re- 
ceiving, for  the  first  time,  information  that  meant 
life  or  death. 

The  editor  resumed  his  seat.  The  trumpets 
sounded  short  and  sharp.  The  starters,  one  for 
each  of  the  contestants,  leaped  from  the  sides  of 
the  arena  to  give  aid,  should  any  be  needed  in  start- 
ing the  excited  fours. 

Once  more  the  trumpet  blasts  crashed  upon  the 
air.  Instantaneously  the  gatekeeper  threw  open  the 
stalls.  From  each  rushed  a  chariot,  with  the  thun- 
derous velocity  of  a  fast-approaching  storm. 

The  vast  assemblage  rose,  irrepressible  and  elec- 
trified. They  leaped  upon  the  benches  and  rent 
the  air  with  screams  and  hoarse  yells.  This  was 
what  they  had  been  waiting  for!  The  pent-up  en- 
thusiasm, mingling  with  the  fever  of  hero  worship, 
whipped  them  to  a  frenzy. 

The  chalked  line  was  stretched  across  the  course. 
It  was  a  difficult  feat  to  force  the  two  fours  to  nose 
it  evenly.  The  midday  sun  beat  down  upon  the 
fine  white  sand  of  the  arena  and  cast  a  dazzling 
glare  into  the  eyes  of  the  competitors. 


THE  RACE  163 

Not  for  an  instant  did  they  remove  their  gaze 
from  the  heads  of  their  chafing  steeds.  The  clamor 
of  the  multitude  struck  their  ears  and  turned  to  fire 
the  blood  that  coursed  through  their  tense  bodies. 
At  moments  like  this,  the  souls  of  men,  in  the  frenzy 
of  triumph,  can  laugh  at  death,  or  regard  it  with 
an  utter  calm. 

Aristle  dark,  lithe,  his  sleek,  black  head  with 
snowhite  forehead-band  thrown  back,  held  his  taut 
reins  with  a  skill  that  brought  delight  to  those  who 
had  laid  their  wagers  on  his  previous  record.  His 
tunic  was  orange,  striped  in  gold.  His  bared  legs, 
glistening  from  the  brisk  rubbing  he  had  just  re- 
ceived, showed  swarthy  against  the  white  high-laced 
boots. 

Pythias,  blond  and  statuesque,  a  monument  of 
strength,  was  clad  in  crimson,  striped  with  white. 
His  gold  locks,  escaping  from  the  broad  crimson 
band  that  bound  them  tightly,  were  lifted  by  soft 
breezes  that  had  just  risen  from  the  sea.  The 
crowd  that  had  cast  garlands  at  his  feet  on  his  re- 
turn the  day  before  cheered  him  madly. 

Above  in  her  chair,  soothed  by  the  firm  confidence 
of  Damon  in  his  friend,  Calanthe  bent  forward  with 
tightly  clasped  hands.  The  laurel  wreath,  on  a 
stand  before  her  eyes,  seemed  but  an  omen  of  de- 
feat. She  understood  full  well  Dionysius'  method 
in  presenting  it. 

At  the  finish,  if  Aristle  won,  he  would  send  a  dele- 


1 64  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

gation  of  pages  to  her  box  and  have  them  bear  back, 
across  the  arena,  in  full  view  of  the  multitude,  the 
victor's  crown.  This  would  so  strongly  emphasize 
the  defeat  of  Pythias  that  there  would  follow  hisses 
and  other  signs  of  violent  disapproval.  Also  would 
it  put  Dionysius,  himself,  in  the  fair  light  of  having 
desired  that  his  general,  who  rivaled  him  in  warfare, 
be  the  victor.  This  would  be  proof  sufficient,  to  the 
rabble,  that  the  noble  heart  of  the  overlord  sheltered 
no  jealousy. 

The  trumpeters,  at  a  given  signal  from  the  editor, 
blew  a  vigorous  blast.  The  judges  dropped  the 
rope.  An  attendant  leaped  to  position  behind  each 
charioteer.  The  two  contestants  flung  wide  their 
long  leathern  lashes  and  cracked  them  fiercely. 
With  vicious  snorts,  their  nostrils  blood  red,  their 
eyes,  with  crimson-flecked  whites,  rolling  madly,  the 
fours  dashed  forward! 

Thousands  held  their  breath.  Up  where  the 
asdile  sat,  merchants  of  high  station  redoubled  their 
wagers.  The  race  was  on !  The  souls  of  two  men 
waged  battle.  And  a  multitude,  with  strained  eyes 
and  throats  parched  with  excitement,  bent  over  the 
course  and  urged  them  to  victory  or  defeat  I 

The  first  round  was  half  accomplished.  Aristle 
a  full  length  ahead,  leaned  over  his  horses'  backs 
and  slashed  their  sleek  coats.  Pythias,  still  erect, 
used  his  long  whip  not  at  all. 

Voices  shouted  directions  at  him.     His  admirers 


THE  RACE  165] 

urged  him  to  the  lash.  But  he  heeded  nothing  save 
the  judgment  of  his  own  calm  brain. 

The  first  round  completed,  Aristle  had  gained  in 
the  lead.  The  speed  with  which  his  wheels  ground 
into  the  white  sand  cast  glistening  sprays  of  the 
tiny  particles.  They  struck  the  nostrils  of  the 
steeds  behind  and  drove  them  to  frenzy. 

With  feet  spread  and  tunic  snapping  sharply  in 
the  breeze,  Aristle  plied  his  whip.  Wider  and 
wider  grew  the  space  that  separated  the  two  char- 
iots! 

Calanthe  jumped  from  her  chair  and  bent  her 
slender  body  over  the  box  edge.  Her  shrill  cries 
were  drowned  in  the  wild  roars  about  her.  Damon 
seized  her  arm  and  drew  her  gently  to  her  seat.  In 
wild  despair  she  hid  her  face  in  her  trembling  hands 
and  wept. 

Opposite,  Dionysius,  with  mouth  drawn  at  one 
corner  and  lids  half  shut,  looked  upon  her  grief 
and  smiled. 

The  third  round  accomplished,  the  multitude  drew 
breath.  It  was  resolving  itself  into  a  one-sided  af- 
fair. With  a  lead  as  great  as  his,  even  a  poorer 
charioteer  than  Aristle  could  not  help  but  conquer. 
The  stake  holders  began  to  figure  up  their  gains  or 
losses. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  fourth  round  it  was 
noticed  that  the  sides  of  Aristles'  four  were  flecked 
with  creamy  lather,  while  the  others  were  but  glis- 


1 66  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

tening  wet.  A  few  feet  further  on  their  mouths 
dripped  foam  and  their  jaws  sagged  at  the  sawing 
bit. 

Then  did  Pythias  raise  his  arm.  Stretched  taut, 
with  muscles  like  rippling  steel,  he  unfurled  his  lash 
and  brought  it  down  with  a  demon's  fury  on  the 
satin  hide  of  Mentum.  The  animal,  accustomed  as 
he  was  to  caresses  and  words  of  deep  affection, 
reared  on  his  slender  hoofs  and  then  dashed  for- 
ward, as  if  from  death  itself. 

With  heads  down  and  bodies  flattened  to  the 
ground  so  that  they  had  the  appearance  of  actually 
skimming  the  surface  of  the  course,  Pythias'  four 
devoured  the  space  intervening.  On  and  on  they 
dashed!  Each  revolution  of  the  wheels  diminished 
the  lead  of  the  chariot  ahead. 

With  feet  braced  against  the  quadriga  sides  and 
reins  held  loosely  in  his  iron  grip,  Pythias  smote 
the  air  in  a  continuous  cracking  of  his  whip.  Not 
once  again  did  the  sting  eat  into  the  coats  of  his 
horses.  But  the  dire  sound  and  the  mad  fear  of 
a  repetition  of  their  punishment  crazed  them  till 
their  hoofs  shot  from  under  their  steaming  bodies 
with  redoubled  speed. 

On  and  on!  Their  noses  came  abreast  of  the 
tail  end  of  Aristle's  chariot.  The  body  of  Aristle 
lunged  forward  over  the  chariot  edge  as  if  suspended 
from  above.  His  curses  rent  the  air.  His  whip 
curled  and  flattened,  cracked  and  cut.  The  lines 


THE  RACE  167 

where  it  had  burned  into  the  flesh,  spurted  red.  The 
foaming  lather  was  dyed  crimson  with  the  drops 
that  oozed  so  slowly. 

On  and  on!  The  eight  black  steeds,  nose  and 
nose,  spun  round  the  curve  of  the  fifth  lap.  At  its 
completion  would  the  victor  be  proclaimed. 

Inch  by  inch,  urged  by  words  of  impetuous  plead- 
ing that  sank  into  their  ears  despite  the  deafening 
cheers,  the  horses  of  Pythias  gained  upon  their  com- 
petitors in  the  race. 

Leading  by  a  head,  then  by  a  neck,  further  on  by 
a  half  body-length  they  flew  over  the  ground. 
Within  a  half  a  round  of  the  goal  they  left  the 
others  in  their  wake.  Faster!  Faster!  Into  the 
home  stretch  they  galloped!  Drunk  with  triumph, 
Pythias  flung  his  whip  from  him,  and,  with  a  final 
plunge,  whirled  across  the  goal  line  —  victor! 

Halfway  down  the  side,  the  chariot  of  Aristle 
came  to  a  dead  half.  The  outside  horse,  his  hide 
cut  to  ribbons,  dropped  in  his  tracks;  and  over  the 
chariot  edge  hung  the  limp  body  of  the  best  char- 
ioteer in  all  Sicily;  his  whip  frayed  and  broken,  dan- 
gling from  his  unconscious  hand. 


CHAPTER  XII 

THE   WEDDING    HOUR 

DIONYSIUS  paced  the  floor  of  his  inner 
courtyard.  His  threatening  brow,  under 
his  disordered  locks,  grew  sterner  and  more 
creased.  His  bony  hands  now  clasped  behind  him, 
now  clenched  aloft  in  menacing  gesture,  brought 
terror  to  the  heart  of  Damocles,  who,  muddled  with 
much  wine  and  an  afternoon  devoid  of  slumber,  sat 
as  one  drugged,  or  foolish. 

In  the  background,  silent,  and  shrouded  in  deep 
thought,  stood  Philistius,  full  of  wise  suggestions, 
but  fearing  to  offer  one.  Twice  he  put  foot  for- 
ward as  if  to  interrupt  the  ceaseless  pacing  of  the 
over-general  and  twice  did  he  withdraw  it  in  im- 
minent fear  of  the  burst  of  wrath  he  might  bring 
down  upon  his  whitening  head. 

"  Didst  see  the  frenzy,  the  utter  madness  of  the 
crowds?"  hissed  Dionysius  between  his  tightly 
clenched  teeth.  "  Didst  note  how  men  of  prom- 
inence leaped  into  the  arena,  and  throwing  them- 
selves upon  his  chariot,  did  permit  their  bodies  to  be 
dragged  through  the  burning  sands,  as  proof  of 
their  insane  worship?  Didst  behold  the  women 

168 


Universal  Film  Manufacturing  Co. 


PYTHIAS    DEFEATS   ARISTLE,    THE    BEST    CHA] 


EER    OF    SICILY,    AND    CLAIMS    THE    PRIZE. 


THE  WEDDING  HOUR  169 

cast  garlands,  aye,  even  their  jewels,  at  his  horses' 
feet  and  clasp  their  hands  in  rapture  as  the  animals 
trod  upon  the  tokens  and  destroyed  their  beauty  and 
their  value?  " 

There  was  no  answer.  Both  had  seen.  But 
reply,  in  the  affirmative,  would  have  been  but  oil 
upon  the  flames  of  Dionysius'  mighty  wrath.  The 
wise  man  would  allow  him  to  continue  his  soliloquy 
without  comment  or  interruption. 

A  slave  bearing  a  message  bidding  his  master  to 
a  huge  feast  at  the  dwelling  of  one  of  his  generals, 
was  seized  by  the  neck  and  thrown  with  violence 
to  the  marble  floor ;  where  his  poor  thick  skull  struck 
with  a  resounding  whack. 

Damocles'  nerves,  in  such  a  tender  condition  be- 
fore the  incident,  were  wellnigh  shattered  at  the 
sight.  It  would  have  taken  but  little  more  to  re- 
duce him  to  maudlin  grief.  Philistius,  perceiving 
his  sad  plight,  administered  a  telling  thump  between 
his  shoulderblades  and  warned  him,  silently,  against 
succumbing. 

''  There  is  no  time  to  lose !  "  thundered  Diony- 
sius,  halting  in  his  angry  pacing  to  shake  a  violent 
finger  in  the  face  of  his  plump  satellite.  "  This 
afternoon,  while  Damon  attends  the  festival  of 
Calanthe  and  his  companion,  Pythias,  is  the  auspi- 
cious moment  for  them  to  proclaim  me  king  in  the 
Senate.  Mark  well,  'tis  the  first  time  the  word  itself 
has  passed  my  lips.  Nor  would  it  now,  but  my  ire 


170  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

is  raised  to  boiling  and  I  am  bound  to  conquer  this 
pair  who  would  submerge  me,  no  matter  how  rash 
the  deed  that  accomplishes  it !  Haste  to  the  Senate, 
Philistius,  and  propose  the  plan.  Damocles  shall 
follow  and,  when  I  am  declared  a  monarch,  will  he 
speed  to  my  side  to  summon  me  thither.  I  shall 
await,  with  impatience !  " 

Philistius  sought  to  question,  but  on  second 
thought,  and  second  sight  of  the  midnight  brow, 
resolved  that  deeds  without  questions  were  what 
was  desired.  He  turned  and  left  the  chamber. 

Damocles,  awake  to  the  realization  that  he  was 
the  only  remaining  target  for  the  venomous  shafts 
of  the  irate  warrior,  rose,  with  bland,  ingratiating 
smile  and  observed  that  if  he  were  to  follow  'twere 
well  the  following  be  immediate. 

"  Seat  yourself!  "  commanded  his  chief,  without 
once  turning  to  ascertain  if  he  had  risen.  "  Would 
you  amble  to  the  Senate  and  muddle,  in  your  bovine 
way,  a  situation  as  momentous  as  this?  'Tis  best 
you  store  your  carcass  here  until  it  has  been  decided. 
Then  can  you  act  as  messenger." 

"What  think  you  will  be  said,  when  the  great 
plan  is  propounded?" 

The  platitudinous  query  acted  as  bellows  upon 
the  smoldering  embers  of  Dionysius'  wrath.  He 
strove  for  speech  drastic  enough  to  penetrate  the 
elephantine  hide  before  him.  He  choked,  sput- 


THE  WEDDING  HOUR  171 

tered,  purpled  in  the  face,  and,  lest  he  commit  bodily 
harm,  strode  from  the  room. 

A  half  hour  later,  a  messenger,  fleet  of  foot,  ran 
down  the  steps  of  the  Senate  and  darted  off  in  the 
direction  of  the  outskirts  of  the  city.  If  one  had 
followed,  it  would  have  been  ascertained  that  he 
sought  the  home  of  Damon,  where,  spent  and  pant- 
ing, he  arrived,  to  find  that  the  Senator  was  at 
the  house  of  Arria,  waiting  to  be  present  at  the  wed- 
ding feast  of  Calanthe  and  Pythias. 

Lucullus,  faithful  slave  of  Damon,  took  the  grim 
message  and  without  a  moment's  delay  leapt  astride 
a  saddled  steed  and  sped,  with  all  haste,  to  deliver 
it  to  his  master. 

In  the  dwelling  of  Arria,  all  was  rejoicing.  In 
her  private  apartment,  Eunice  and  the  other  hand- 
maids robed  their  tremulous  young  mistress  in  her 
wedding  garments.  They  carried  on  a  steady  stream 
of  gay  chattering  so  that  her  mind  would  not  have 
time  to  dwell  upon  the  parting  from  her  mother 
whom  she  adored. 

There  was  laughter  closely  mixed  with  tears  and 
ready  blushes  displaced  too  soon  by  lilylike  pallor. 
When  she  rested  her  slim  fingers  on  Eunice's  arm, 
in  gentle  caress,  the  chill  of  Calanthe's  flesh  struck 
terror  to  the  heart  of  her  handmaid. 

"  What  is  it,  sweet?  "  she  asked  at  last.  "  Why 
have  your  hands  the  chill  of  death?  The  hour  ar- 


172  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

rives  when  you  are  to  be  joined  in  wedlock  to  the 
one  whom  you  worship.  ;Your  mind  is  secure  in  the 
fact  that  he  adores  you  above  all  else  —  and  only 
to-day  was  he  made  the  idol  of  all  Syracuse  and 
victor  in  the  great  chariot  race.  You  have  all  things 
to  make  you  delirious  with  joy;  and  underneath  it  all 
I  know  there  lurks  a  dread.  Of  what,  I  cannot 
fathom.  Will  you  not  confide  in  me,  dear  one? 
If  there  is  aught  that  I  can  do,  no  matter  at  what 
sacrifice,  you  know  it  shall  be  done." 

Calanthe  clung  to  her  in  sudden  fright  and  sank 
sobbing  to  her  knees. 

"  Oh  Eunice,  there  has  been  an  unknown  fear  in 
my  heart  the  livelong  day.  I  cannot  fix  it  to  any 
cause,  nor  can  I  rid  myself  of  it.  It  clutches  at  my 
soul  when  I  am  gayest  and  shrivels  the  laughter  on 
my  lips.  It  dances  before  my  eyes,  when  my  sight 
is  rosy,  and  draws  a  pall  of  black  that  shuts  out  the 
sunshine." 

Eunice  caressed  the  bent  head  and  shaking  shoul- 
ders. 

"  It  is  the  effect  of  your  long  period  of  anxiety, 
while  Pythias  was  at  the  wars.  That,  followed  by 
the  great  joy  and  excitement  of  his  glorious  home- 
coming and  the  later  agitation  of  the  games,  has 
played  havoc  with  your  health,  dear.  Cease  weep- 
ing, foolish  child!  Would  you  hurry  to  your  hus- 
band with  orbs  red-rimmed  and  swollen?  It  cannot 
be  at  all  pleasing  for  a  man  to  take  a  weeping  bride 


THE  WEDDING  HOUR  173 

to  his  arms.  Look,  Calanthe  !  There  in  the  garden 
he  awaits  you.  See  how  strong  his  body  and  how 
handsome  his  features.  There  is  not  a  maid  in 
Syracuse  but  envies  you  this  day.  What  would  they 
think  if  they  could  see  you  weep  ?  " 

"  I  do  not  want  to  weep,"  whispered  Calanthe 
piteously.  "I  love  him  so,  Eunice!  With  all  the 
ardor  of  my  heart  I  adore  and  worship  him!  I 
know  that  life  can  hold  no  greater  joy  than  to  belong 
to  him  for  always  —  and  yet,  there  is  a  something 
that  grips  my  brain  and  warns  me  of  approaching 
disaster." 

"  Walk  to  your  bath  and  gaze  upon  your  beau- 
teous reflection,"  suggested  Eunice  slyly.  '*  What 
you  will  see  there  would  drive  the  tears  from  any 
eye.  And  when  you  have  looked,  stroll  into  the 
garden  where  they  await  you;  and  when  you  see  the 
light  of  admiration  and  the  pride  of  possession 
gleam  from  his  dear  eyes  then  will  your  sadness 
take  wing.  Oh,  Calanthe,  never  has  your  beauty 
dazzled  as  it  does  this  hour,  as  you  stand  there  in 
your  spotless  wedding  robes,  white  as  the  breast  of 
a  tender  dove !  " 

"  I  will  gaze  at  my  reflection  in  his  dear  eyes. 
From  this  time  forth  will  they  be  my  twin  mirrors. 
But  I  fear  me  they  will  flatter.  I  go.  Oh,  Eunice, 
I  could  weep  with  happiness  —  but  I  will  not." 

She  trailed  her  glistening  robes  over  the  smooth, 
green  sward.  Under  a  huge  tree  her  mother  held 


174  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

gay  converse  with  Damon  and  Pythias.  In  spite 
of  charitable  intentions  she  found  it  in  her  heart 
to  resent  this  devoted  friendship.  Nay,  one  could 
not  call  it  friendship,  according  to  the  common 
definition.  This  was  something  vital,  of  the  sublim- 
ity of  deathless  love.  And  was  there  room  in  the 
life  of  one  man  for  two  such  loves? 

Damon  turned  and  caught  sight  of  her  dazzling 
white  robes  through  the  green  foliage.  He  laid  a 
gentle  hand  on  Pythias'  shoulder  and  revolved  him, 
slowly,  till  his  eye,  too,  caught  the  lovely  picture. 

With  arms  extended,  and  eyes  earnestly  fixed  on 
his,  Calanthe  advanced  and  did  not  halt  until,  her 
head  on  his  broad  breast  and  his  arms  clasping  her, 
she  murmured  against  his  cheek: 

"  I  love  you,  my  own  true  Knight.  Never  must 
you  leave  mq.  For  I  will  flourish  only  on  your 
breast.  And  if  it  be  withdrawn  from  my  support, 
will  I  fade  and  die.  Hold  me  to  you  closely  for 
all  time  and  I  will  ask  from  the  gods  no  other  favor 
all  my  life  long." 

Damon  looked  upon  the  two,  so  beautiful  in  their 
young  love  dream  and  smiled  with  a  great  joy. 

"  Ne'er  before  have  you  known  the  completeness 
of  life,  my  Pythias,"  he  said  softly.  "With  this 
sweet  flower  in  your  heart,  will  you  be  able  to  achieve 
even  greater  things  than  formerly.  A  love  like 
yours  and  hers  makes  all  things  possible.  Oh,  cher- 
ish her  well;  for  her  heart  is  pure  —  and  all  yours, 


THE  WEDDING  HOUR  175 

alone.  See,  on  yonder  dial  the  sun  proclaims  that 
'tis  but  a  short  hour  to  the  festival.  My  heart  is 
light  within  my  breast  to  think  that  I  am  able  to  see 
my  dearest  friend  accomplish  his  greatest  wish." 

The  hoof  beats  of  a  horse  driven  to  its  topmost 
speed,  echoed  loudly,  through  the  trees.  A  tall, 
spare  figure,  dark  of  skin,  bounded  swiftly  over  the 
path  and  dropped  to  one  knee  before  Damon. 

"  Lucullus  1  "  the  stately  Senator  spoke  his  dis- 
approval. "What  brings  you?  Have  I  not  told 
you  times  without  number  that  when  I  am  on  friendly 
visits,  you  must  not  follow  or  summon  me  on  foolish 
pretext?" 

"Oh,  my  lord!"  gasped  the  slave,  "this  is  no 
foolish  pretext.  But  a  moment  since  a  messenger 
from  the  Senate  galloped  up  to  your  house  to  bid 
you  hasten  there  immediately.  The  members  of 
your  faction  implore  your  speed,  for  Dionysius  has 
been  declared  a  king!  " 

Damon  bent  and  dragged  Lucullus  to  his  feet. 

"Has  been  declared,  you  say?"  he  questioned, 
unbelieving.  "  Is  there  not  a  slip  in  your  way  of 
joining  the  words?  Do  you  not  mean  he  desires 
to  be  named  a  king?  Think  well,  Lucullus!  " 

"  Nay,  my  lord,"  declared  the  slave  vehemently, 
"  '  has  been '  is  the  message  as  I  received  it.  Oh, 
please,  my  lord,  hasten  to  where  thy  presence  is 
sore  needed." 

Pythias    stepped    forward    and    twined   his    arm 


176  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

through   that   of   his   friend.     His   face,    so   lately 
steeped  in  smiles,  had  shadowed. 

"  He  is  sore  needed  here,"  he  rebuked  Lucullus. 
'*  Would  have  him  leave  me  at  the  hour  of  my  wed- 
ding feast,  to  fight  for  a  thankless  city?  " 

"  Have  you  not  fought  for  that  same  city?  " 

"  But  in  warrior's  fashion,  my  Damon,  which 
is  — " 

4  Which  is  no  different  in  principle  than  that  of 
statesman.  Only  in  method  are  they  unlike  —  and 
yours  the  greater  peril.  A  king!  Think  on't, 
Pythias!  Now  are  we  and  our  wretched  city  un- 
done. But,  by  the  gods,  will  I  oppose  him,  e'en 
though  Aetna  vomit  fire  on  his  behalf!  " 

"  Go  you  to  the  Senate,  now,  before  the  hour 
for  our  festivities?"  Pythias,  doubting  his  ears, 
searched  his  friend's  face  for  answer. 

"  Assuredly  I  go,"  was  the  amazed  retort.  "  Do 
you  suppose  that  I  could  remain  away  and  let  the 
coward  Senate  sanction  this  dastardly  deed,x without 
my  words  of  —  Ah !  I  have  forgot  my  sword.  As 
guest  at.  thy  banquet,  my  Pythias,  I  came  unarmed 
—  give  me  your  weapon." 

Pythias'  hand  closed  on  the  sword's  hilt  and 
pushed  to  one  side  Damon's  eager  fingers. 

'  What  use  will  you  make  of  it,  should  I  give  it 
to  your  keeping?  " 

"No  matter!"  Damon  reached  impatiently  for 
the  steel. 


Universal  Ftlm  Manufacturing  Co. 

"DIONYSIUS,   KING?     BY  ALL  THE  GODS,  i  WILL  OPPOSE  HIM!' 


THE  WEDDING  HOUR  177 

Calanthe  threw  herself  upon  her  lover's  breast,  her 
white  arms  tight  about  his  neck. 

"  Stay  his  mad  passion,  dear  one!  "  she  pleaded 
wildly;  "  by  my  love  do  I  beseech  you." 

"  You  go  to  the  Senate?  Then  go  I  with  you," 
said  Pythias  quietly. 

Calanthe  tightened  her  grasp  convulsively. 

"Nay,  you  must  not!  You  shall  not!"  she 
screamed,  in  shrill  terror. 

"  He  shall  not,"  exclaimed  Damon  decisively. 
"  Give  me  your  sword,  Pythias.  I  promise  on  the 
faith  of  an  old  friendship  that  I  will  do  naught  in 
passion.  Come,  Calanthe,  sweet,  assume  thy  right 
and  take  him  deeper  into  the  garden  where  he  may 
learn  the  names  of  all  of  your  favorite  flowers. 
Soon  the  hour  for  the  sweet  rite  will  come  and 
then — "  he  sighed  deeply  and  clasped  his  feverish 
brow  with  a  trembling  hand. 

"  Nay,  Damon,  Calanthe  knows  not  what  is  at 
stake.  I  must — " 

4  You  must  remain  here,  at  her  side.  And  may 
the  gods  pour  over  your  dear  heads  their  choicest 
blessings.  Farewell,  my  well  beloved  friend.  If 
I  am  not  here  in  person,  yet  will  my  heart  be  beside 
you  at  the  banquet  hall,  when  your  feast  is  merriest. 
And,  who  knows,  it  may  be  possible  that  I  return 
to  see  you  united.  Farewell,  sweet  maid  —  and 
you,  stanchest  of  friends." 

"  Damon !  "  called  Pythias,  making  an  effort  to 


178  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

break  from  the  soft  arms  that  bound  him  fast. 
"Damon!  I  — " 

Calanthe  pressed  her  soft  cheek  against  his  and 
clung  to  him  in  wondrous  sweetness. 

"  On  your  wedding  day,  my  knight,  think  you  'tis 
proper  that  you  call  '  O  Damon !  '  in  great  distress, 
when  here,  upon  your  breast,  there  lives  a  maid 
whose  heart  hungers  for  your  lips  to  breathe  '  O 
Calanthe,  dearest! '  " 

The  powerful  warrior  enclosed  his  sweet  burden 
in  all-protecting  arms  and  inclined  his  head  till  his 
full,  red  lips  brushed  just  the  edge  of  her  rosy  ear. 

"  O  Calanthe,  dearest,  best  beloved !  "  he 
breathed,  with  fervent  passion. 


CHAPTER  XIII 
A  FRIEND'S  STRONG  ARM 


*  *"^t  ^OU  do  not  scorn  my  deep  friendship  for 
^L/  Damon,  do  you,  dearest?"  Pythias 
M  searched  the  face  of  his  loved  one  with 
anxious  eagerness.  "  I  cannot  well  expect  a  maid 
to  understand  the  profoundness  of  it.  'Tis  not  like 
the  love  of  man  and  woman  that  can  be  severed 
when  assaulted  by  an  unkind  word,  or  deed  —  and 
be  ne'er  thought  of  again.  'Tis  not  the  love  that 
is  slain  through  pride  or  pique.  Nay,  no  matter 
what  my  Damon's  words  or  deeds,  always  will  the 
deep  walls  of  my  heart  be  open  to  him  and  likewise 
will  my  strong,  right  arm  do  battle  for  his  cause !  " 

Calanthe,  murmuring  in  petulant  fashion,  un- 
clasped her  dimpled  arms  from  about  her  lover's 
neck  and  wandered  a  little  way  from  him.  In  her 
childish  pettishness,  she  crushed,  under  her  tiny, 
white  sandals,  a  clump  of  purple  violets. 

Arria,  her  mother,  spoke  her  disapproval. 

"  If  in  her  obstinacy  she  will  not  understand,  then 
would  I  not  waste  both  patience  and  breath  in  trying 
to  explain.  In  her  willful  heart  she  knows  full  well 

179 


i8o  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

that  a  friendship  such  as  yours  for  Damon  is  un- 
usual in  this  world  of  deceit  and  conspiracy  among 
men.  Yet  she  will  not  grant  its  beauty,  because  her 
jealousy  is  roused  and  she  fears  your  love  for  her 
will  be  diminished  by  this  other  drain.  'Twere  well 
to  punish  such  perverseness !  " 

Pythias  took  hold  of  one  little,  trusting  hand  and 
drew  his  sweet  one  back  to  the  shelter  of  his  arms. 
She  hid  a  scarlet  cheek  in  the  folds  of  his  tunic. 

"  I  shall  have  to  spend  all  the  idle  hours  of  my 
life  in  trying  to  persuade  her  that  naught  but  deep 
love  for  her  sweet  self  fills  this  worthless  heart  of 
mine,"  he  murmured  indulgently.  "  But  also  must 
she  learn  that  whate'er  I'd  do  in  friendship's  name, 
for  Damon,  that  would  he  do  for  me  —  and  more." 

"  It  would  render  your  cup  of  happiness  complete 
if  he  could  escape  the  Senate  in  time  to  reach  here 
for  the  sweet  feast  that  is  to  join  you,"  observed 
Arria,  with  gentle  understanding.  "  Think  you  he 
will  find  it  possible?  " 

Suddenly  there  arose  from  without  the  garden 
gates  the  sounds  of  violent  controversy. 

Pythias  leaned  forward  to  ascertain,  if  possible, 
what  the  trouble  was.  He  heard  a  rough,  deep 
voice  shout  insolent  taunts.  These  were  always  fol- 
lowed by  a  chorus  of  derisive  epithets. 

Arria,  in  great  distress,  begged  him  to  discover 
who  had  chosen  the  quiet  spot  before  her  home  for 
challenges  and  the  measuring  of  swords. 


A  FRIEND'S  STRONG  ARM         181 

But  before  he  had  chance  to  step  outside  the 
gate,  Lucullus,  panting  and  disheveled,  appeared  be- 
fore him. 

"  My  master  craves  your  indulgence  for  his  per- 
sistent intrusion  upon  your  happy  hours,  but  in  try- 
ing to  leave  this  dwelling,  on  his  way  to  the  Senate 
he  found  that  Dionysius  had  forestalled  him  by 
placing  outside  the  walls,  as  guard,  a  band  of  ruf- 
fians headed  by  Procles.  iWith  drawn  swords  and 
shields  brandishing  in  air,  do  they  seek  to  prevent 
my  master  from  reaching  the  Senate  in  time  to  offer 
protest  to  this  crowning.  So  he  bade  me  hasten  to 
you  and  tell  you  of  his  plight." 

"Where  is  he,  Lucullus?"  demanded  Pythias, 
driving  his  helmet  far  down  upon  his  brow. 

"Hark!  From  here  can  you  hear  the  imper- 
tinent threats  of  the  hired  minions  of  Dionysius. 
Right  outside  yonder  gates  is  he  detained  at  the 
sword's  point." 

With  a  muttered  oath  that  boded  ill  for  the  hire- 
lings, Pythias  seized  from  an  attendant  the  latter's 
sword  and  started  down  the  pathway.  Midway  in 
his  flight  he  was  pursued  by  Calanthe  who  besought 
him  earnestly  to  beware  the  violence  of  the  men  in 
the  employ  of  his  bitterest  enemy. 

u  Do  not  delay  me,  sweet,"  he  implored  and 
shook  loose  her  clinging  arms.  "  Each  moment  that 
is  lost  diminishes  Damon's  chances  of  reaching  the 
Senate  in  time." 


1 82  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

"  I  will  accompany  you,  then,"  she  declared  ob- 
stinately. "  I  cannot  stay  this  side  the  wall  to  listen 
to  menacing  sounds,  not  knowing  how  you  fare." 

Pythias  dashed  ahead  and  sought  the  main  en- 
trance of  the  dwelling.  Once  outside  he  ran  to 
where  he  saw  the  band  of  ruffians  threatening  his 
friend.  With  sword  raised  in  defiance  he  bore  down 
upon  them. 

"  Hold,  ye  cowards !  "  he  shouted  in  ringing  scorn 
and  plunged  into  their  midst  like  some  fury  sent  by 
the  gods.  "  Why,  Procles,  what  game  is  this  you 
play?  Are  you  not  ashamed  to  rush  upon  a  single 
man,  in  coward  numbers?  Bah,  I  have  seen  you 
do  good  work  in  battle  time  and  so  I  took  you  for 
a  soldier.  Fie  upon  you !  " 

"  They  are  orders  to  be  obeyed,"  was  the  sullen 
answer.  "  It  has  been  decreed  that  this  man  be 
kept  from  the  Senate  for  the  day  —  and  we  have 
kept  him." 

11  Nay,  be  not  so  calm  in  your  assurance,"  warned 
Pythias  grimly.  "  Not  yet  have  you  kept  my  friend, 
a  Senator,  from  his  rightful  seat  in  the  Senate  house, 
nor  will  you.  You  know  well  I  am  not  given  to 
empty  threats.  You  also  know  the  strength  of  my 
right  arm  and  the  clean  cut  it  makes  when  my  lifted 
sword  descends.  And,  by  the  gods,  I  swear  that 
unless  you  and  your  band  of  scoundrels  stand  back, 
and  give  Damon  free  passage,  will  I  hew  down  as 
many  as  I  may,  before  I  am  overwhelmed!  " 


A  FRIEND'S  STRONG  ARM          183 

The  group  broke  into  sullen  mutterings  and  half- 
affrighted,  half  abashed,  fell  back  a  few  paces  to 
wait  the  decision  of  their  leader. 

"  I  know  the  meagre  sum  that  Dionysius  prom- 
ised you,  when  the  errand  was  arranged  for,"  ven- 
tured Pythias  cautiously,  as  he  saw  them  confer 
among  themselves.  "  He  does  not  pay  well  in  pro- 
portion to  the  dastardliness  of  his  missions.  So 
look  for  an  increase  in  your  pockets  if  you  fall  back 
without  another  attempt  to  prevent  Damon's  anx- 
ious haste.'7 

"  Because  you  are  a  warrior  like  ourselves,  will 
we  observe  your  wishes,"  growled  Procles,  wonder- 
ing what  his  fate  would  be  when  Dionysius  found 
out  his  treachery. 

"  Amend  your  statement,  my  friend,"  said  Pythias 
with  smiling  sarcasm.  "  Because  I  am  a  warrior 
who  can  plate  your  fingers  with  gold,  instead  of 
silver,  is  what  you  meant  to  say.  Well,  here  it  is." 

He  cast  a  small,  soft  leathern  pouch  upon  the 
ground  at  the  feet  of  Procles  and  turned  to  speed 
Damon  on  his  way.  The  older  man  grasped  his 
hand  in  fervent  grip,  while  tears  suffused  his  eyes. 

"  Thanks  to  you,  my  gallant  soldier  and  fast 
friend,  I  am  safe  and  free  to  proceed  in  my  poor 
attempt  to  halt  this  monster  ere  he  complete  the 
ruination  of  our  beloved  city,  our  fickle  Syracuse! 
Now  go  you  again  to  your  sweet  maid's  side." 

Calanthe   ran   forward,    and,    in    deep    remorse, 


1 84  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

thrust  her  little  hands  into  the  sincere  grasp  of 
Pythias'  friend.  His  noble  face  was  lined  with  the 
cares  that  were  being  thrust,  so  unceasingly,  upon 
him.  In  her  heart  a  great  pity  stirred.  Pythias, 
delighted  to  see  her  capitulate  so  completely,  drew 
her  again  to  his  side. 

"  Now  must  Damon  hasten  to  the  Senate,  dear 
one;  may  the  gods  watch  over  his  path,  and  grant 
that  he  may  quell  the  tyrant  who  sought  so  basely 
to  humiliate  me  and  now  seeks  to  make  us  all  slaves, 
under  his  iron  hand." 

Together  they  watched  him  descend  the  hill.  At 
last,  a  mere  moving  speck,  they  saw  him  disappear 
between  the  huge  pillars  of  the  senate  house. 

Philistius  sprang  from  his  bench  as  the  irate  Sen- 
ator, his  locks  disarranged,  his  breath  coming  in 
quick,  short  gasps,  dashed  into  the  senate  room  and 
raised  an  enraged,  protesting  arm. 

"  Who  is't  breaks  in  so  rudely  to  disturb  our  grave 
deliberations?"  he  thundered. 

Damon  halted  before  the  president's  seat  and 
looked  upon  him  with  scorn. 

"  Who  is  it?  "  he  echoed.  "  Why,  a  Senator,  my 
good  Philistius.  None  but  a  Senator.  But  one  who 
has  so  many  biting  questions  with  which  to  ply  you 
that  methinks,  before  your  tongue  has  answered 
them  all,  must  it  call  for  water  to  ease  its  parched 
surfaces!  " 

"  Seat  yourself  and  wait  until  the  important  busi- 


A  FRIEND'S  STRONG  ARM         185 

ness  of  the  day  be  finished,"  commanded  Philistius 
angrily. 

"That  I  will  not!"  exclaimed  Damon,  moving 
still  a  step  nearer.  "  What  strange  times  have  we 
fallen  upon  that,  in  the  open  streets,  nay  at  the  very 
doors  of  a  friend's  dwelling,  have  I  encountered 
soldiers  and  satellites  with  brandished  swords,  at- 
tempting to  obstruct  my  way  hither?  Whose  mouth 
in  this  assembly  here  gave  privilege  to  a  ruffian 
soldier,  that  he  dare  hold  a  pointed  weapon  to  my 
throat  and  threaten  boldly  to  bathe  it  in  my  blood, 
should  I  protest?  Answer  me  that,  O  Philistius, 
and  we  will  have  done  with  the  first  question." 

Disregarding  Damon's  burning  rage  and  his  dra- 
matic interrogation,  Philistius  apologetically  ad- 
dressed the  Senate. 

"  Let  not  this  rash  man,  with  his  unbridled  tongue, 
disturb  the  grave  consideration  with  which  we  were 
discussing  the  — " 

With  a  savage  gesture,  Damon  wheeled  upon  his 
fellow-Senators. 

"  Aye,  that  is  what  he  will  do !  It  is  for  that 
that  he  has  fled  from  the  wedding  festivities  of  his 
dearest  friend  and  been  accosted  by  a  band  of  hired 
scoundrels,  upon  the  public  streets.  It  is  for  that, 
that  he  will  talk  until  the  breath  that  fills  his  lungs 
shall  be  exhausted." 

From  a  corner  of  the  third  bench,  a  ponderous 
figure,  but  lately  arrived,  rose  and  walked  to  the 


i86  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

front  of  the  senate  chamber.  He  was  greeted  with 
much  acclaim.  Assuming  a  still  more  central  posi- 
tion, he  coolly  pushed  to  one  side  the  imposing 
figure  of  the  protesting  Senator,  and  opened  his 
mouth  to  speak. 

"  I  do  but  require  to  know  from  you,"  he  began 
in  oily  accents,  "  what  now  would  be  our  likely  fate 
had  we  not  had  to  guide  us  a  hand  and  head  as 
marvelously  skillful  as  that  of  our  Dionysius?" 

A  moment's  pause.  Waiting  for  the  applause 
that  he  so  thoroughly  expected,  Damocles  blinked 
his  small  eyes  and  smiled  encouragement  with  his 
fat  lips.  Damon  took  advantage  of  the  silence. 

"What  fate,  you  ask,  O  unctuous  pessimist? 
Well,  here's  your  answer.  The  fate  of  freemen, 
in  the  full  exercise  of  all  a  freeman's  rights.  Free 
to  walk  unmolested  in  the  streets.  Free  to  speak 
and  act  in  our  councils.  Free  to  cast  to  earth  a 
man  who  dares  declare  himself  a  — " 

Philistius  stepped  down  from  the  president's  chair 
and  raised  his  arms  in  supplication. 

"  I  do  entreat  you,  Senators,"  he  petitioned,  try- 
ing to  drown  the  excited  tones  of  the  speaker,  "  to 
protect  me  from  this  scolding  damagogue." 

Damon  whirled  upon  him  in  mighty  wrath.  His 
right  arm  raised,  with  clenched- fist,  seemed  about  to 
descend  upon  his  maligning  chief. 

"  Demagogue!  "  he  cried  hoarsely.  '  Who  was 
the  demagogue,  who,  at  my  challenge,  was  denounced 


A  FRIEND'S  STRONG  ARM         187, 

silenced  by  this  same  Senate?  When  you  have 
once  begun  the  list  of  accusations,  follow  it  to  its 
end  —  and  rest  assured  that  you,  and  not  myself, 
will  suffer  most  before  'tis  done." 

Damocles,  in  half-drowsy  protest,  stepped  be- 
tween. 

"  Silence,  Damon,  silence ! "  he  reprimanded. 
"  Let  the  council  use  its  privilege.'1 

At  sound  of  the  whining  voice  that  strove  so  hard 
to  be  sonorous,  Damon  bent  low,  in  mock  humility. 

"  Who  bids  me  silence?  "  he  questioned  with  cut- 
ting sarcasm.  "  Ah!  'Tis  none  other  than  Damo- 
cles !  The  pliant  willow  —  Damocles !  The  pro- 
ficient parasite  —  Damocles !  The  fawning  fool  — 
Damocles!  What  is  it  that  you  dare  propose? 
That  I  be  silent  and  listen  to  your  words  of  wisdom? 
(Very  well,  that  much  will  I  grant  you.  I  shall  be 
silent  as  the  tomb  —  for  a  limited  time.  Proceed." 

Damon  took  his  seat.  His  right  arm  rested 
lightly  upon  his  knee.  His  left,  concealed  beneath 
the  folds  of  his  crimson-bordered  white  toga, 
guarded  carefully  its  burden. 


A' 


CHAPTER  XIV 

FROM  GLADNESS  INTO  GLOOM 

A  ND  these  are  impertinent  and  strangely 
fashioned  pansies.  Upon  each  velvety 
bloom  there  is  concealed  a  saucy  face  — 
that  is  if  you  look  with  the  eye  of  understanding. 
And  these  are  violets,  brought  first  from  Parina, 
which  is  the  city  of  their  origin.  And  these  —  lilies 
which  do  contain  in  their  tiny  bells  a  perfume  that 
delights  the  nostrils,  and  these  — " 

Pythias  gazed  over  his  shoulder  toward  the  city. 
His  eyes  were  troubled,  his  lips  compressed  in  dread 
suspense. 

"  You  do  not  listen,"  objected  Calanthe  with 
petulance.  "  Did  not  Damon  bid  me  tell  you  of  all 
my  favorite  plants  and  flowers?  And  when  I  do, 
you  reward  me  with  an  unseeing  gaze  and  a  mind 
that  wanders." 

"  Ah,  dear  one,  if  you  could  know  how  I  fear  for 
Damon's  safety.  Those  men  who  are  plotting  so 
vilely  against  our  fair  city,  with  no  thought  save 
for  their  secret  "gain,  will  stop  at  nothing  to  achieve 
their  ambitions.  Damon  will  oppose  them — and 

he  took  my  sword !  " 

188 


FROM  GLADNESS  INTO  GLOOM     189 

Calanthe  felt  him  tremble  under  her  loving  clasp. 
She  leaned  her  head  against  his  shoulder  and  sought 
to  comfort  him. 

"  I  was  amazed  that  you  saw  fit  to  give  it  to  him," 
she  said  gently.  "  Why  did  you  not  remain  firm  in 
your  refusal?  " 

"  He  promised  me  that  he  would  do  naught  in 
passion  —  and  his  promise  is  more  binding  than  the 
solemn  oaths  of  ten  men !  " 

He  clapped  his  hands  suddenly.  A  slave  stand- 
ing in  a  grove  nearby  obeyed  the  summons. 

"  Haste  you  to  the  senate  house  as  fast  as  feet 
can  fly  and  bring  me  word  of  Damon.  It  is  now 
a  full  ten  minutes  since  I  dispatched  a  messenger 
and  he  has  not  returned.  Bring  news  I  Whether 
it  be  bad  or  ill.  I  must  have  news !  " 

The  man  did  not  wait  for  the  final  words.  His 
body  was  already  a  brownish  blur  upon  the  road- 
way. 

4  Will  you  hear  more  of  flowers?"  pleaded  Ca.- 
lanthe,  desolate  in  her  failure  to  amuse  him. 

"  I  will  hear  of  one  flower,  dear.  Never  will  I 
close  my  ears  to  news  of  you,  my  own  true  flower. 
What  is't  that  you  resemble,  sweet?  A  moss  rose- 
bud, or  a  dainty  bluebell?  In  my  eyes  shall  you  al- 
ways be  a  very  garland  of  blossoms,  with  every 
beauty  of  each  and  the  perfume  of  them  all.  Ah, 
I  fear  'tis  a  sorry  bridal  day  for  you,  my  loved  one. 
It  is  an  unkind  fate  that — " 


190  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

A  messenger,  whose  brow  dripped  sweat  as  he 
pushed  back  his  matted  locks,  ran  through  the  trees 
and  knelt  before  the  pair.  Pythias  shook  him  im- 
patiently. 

"What  is  the  delay?  Speak,  fool!  What  is 
your  message?  " 

"  I  have  none,"  panted  the  slave.  "  When  I  ap- 
proached the  senate  house  those  on  guard  recog- 
nized that  I  belonged  to  you,  O  master,  and  drove 
me  hence  at  the  point  of  daggers  drawn  from  their 
wide  belts !  " 

"And  you  heard?" 

"  I  heard  naught  but  a  hum  of  conversation  within 
the  walls.  Only  once  a  shout  arose  —  and  it  was 
quickly  stifled." 

"  A  shout?  "  Pythias  questioned  him  in  an  agony 
of  doubt.  "  Was  it  Damon's  voice  that  shouted?  " 

"  I  do  not  know,  my  lord.  It  would  require  a 
closer  knowledge  of  his  voice,  to  say  if  it  were  his 
or  no." 

"What  did  you  see?" 

"  I  saw  nothing.  Not  one  has  entered  or  left 
the  Senate  since  I  arrived.  But  on  every  step  does 
a  soldier  stand  and  guard,  as  if  in  expectation  of 
trouble." 

"  And  naught  else  that  your  eye  rested  on,  struck 
you  as  peculiar?  Neither  on  the  way  there,  nor 
on  the  homeward  trip?  " 

"  O  my  master,  I  had  almost  forgot  in  my  dis- 


FROM  GLADNESS  INTO  GLOOM     191 

appointment  at  returning  empty-handed.  As  I  was 
driven  from  the  senate  steps,  the  hangings  conceal- 
ing the  wide  portal  of  a  dwelling  opposite,  were 
pulled  aside  and  I  did  witness,  sitting  at  a  table  sur- 
rounded by  his  friends,  Dionysius,  splendid  in  robes 
of  state.  He  was  smiling  broadly  at  the  sallies  of 
his  satellites  and — " 

"Ah I"  Pythias  breathed  more  freely.  "Then 
Dionysius  is  not  within  the  senate  house?  That 
is  good  news,  even  if  you  have  brought  no 
other." 

The  slave  rose  and  fell  back  to  await  further 
summons.  Arria  came  from  the  house  and  moved 
toward  them,  her  face  betraying  her  unhappiness. 

"  The  hour  has  arrived.  The  maids  are  waiting 
with  arms  piled  high  with  blossoms  plucked  to  strew 
upon  your  path.  The  solemn  wedding  feast  is 
awaiting  you  and  the  guests  are  assembled  and  eag- 
erly demand  your  coming.  Come,  my  daughter. 
Once  more  before  you  leave  your  mother's  house  let 
her  enfold  you  in  her  arms  and  kiss  your  brow,  as 
was  her  wont  when  she  held  you,  a  rosy  infant,  to 
her  breast." 

Calanthe  left  her  lover's  side  and  twined  her  arms 
lovingly  about  her  adored  parent. 

"  Do  not  speak  as  if  I  were  to  leave  you  and  go 
to  a  far  distant  place,  my  mother.  Always  will  a 
great  portion  of  my  heart  be  yours.  In  years  to 
come,  if  I  have  children  of  my  own,  I  will  but  wish 


192  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

that  they  may  love  me  with  one  half  the  tenderness 
I  feel  for  you." 

Arria  folded  her  closely  to  her  breast  and  pressed 
a  long,  solemn  kiss  upon  the  snowy  brow. 

"  Now  we  will  proceed  to  the  feast,"  she  an- 
nounced. "  See,  Calanthe?  Here  come  your 
maids.  Are  they  not  beautiful,  garbed  in  their  shin- 
ing bridal  robes  and  with  their  fair  young  arms  so 
choked  with  perfumed  blossoms?  Art  prepared  to 
start?" 

4  Yea,"  murmured  the  little  bride,  extending  a 
timid  hand  to  her  lord. 

"  Attend  a  moment,"  he  requested,  a  hint  of 
apology  in  the  words.  "  I  am  sore  distressed.  If 
we  can  wait  but  a  moment  more,  the  second  mes- 
senger will  be  here  with  word  of  Damon.  Then 
will  I  go  to  the  feast  with  lighter  heart.  If  it  were 
possible,  I  would  postpone  the  feast  an  hour  longer 
so  that  he  could  be  present" 

"  We  cannot  delay  even  for  a  moment,"  declared 
Calanthe,  racked  with  a  return  of  jealousy. 
"  Would  you  have  the  freshly  culled  flowers  wither, 
so  that  our  pathway  will  be  strewn  with  dead  petals  ? 
An  ill  omen  e'en  before  the  festival.  Come,  join 
your  hand  to  mine,  my  Pythias.  The  maids  ap- 
proach." 

"I  cannot!" 

"Cannot?"  Calanthe  flared  under  the  finality  in 
his  voice.  "  When  your  bride  bids  you  to  the  feast, 


FROM  GLADNESS  INTO  GLOOM     193 

you  lag  behind  with  eyes  fastened  on  the  dusty  city 
and  languish  for  word  of  a  friend?'* 

"  Be  patient  but  a  moment  longer,  sweet.  The 
messenger  must  return  at  any  instant.  You  would 
not  have  me  plight  my  troth  with  mind  upset  and 
aching  heart?  Do  not  be  harsh,  my  beloved.  Just 
a  moment  longer!  " 

"  Speak  to  him,  mother,"  implored  the  girl,  try- 
ing her  best  to  choke  back  angry  tears.  "  Tell  him 
that  I  will  not  be  flaunted  before  my  friends.  Why, 
even  my  maids  will  smile  me  to  scorn  if  I  am  made 
sit  back  to  welcome  a  slave  who  will  tell  if  Damon  is 
without,  or  within,  or  vanished  from  the  scene !  " 

"  I  can  understand  his  state  of  mind,"  remon- 
strated her  mother.  "  He  fears  a  dastardly  deed 
from  which  he  could  protect  his  friend  were  he  there 
beside  him." 

"  But  he  is  not  beside  him,  nor  could  he  be."  Ca- 
lanthe's  tones  rose  shrill  and  hysterical.  "  Has  he 
not  told  me,  often,  that  a  soldier  may  not  lift  his 
helmet  in  the  senate  house.  What  good  will  be  ac- 
complished by  his  fixed  watching  from  a  hill?" 

"  I  think  it  would  be  wiser  to  proceed  and  have 
the  festival  over,"  acknowledged  Arria,  reluctantly. 
"It  is  of  such  short  duration.  Then  can  he  go  to 
procure  news  himself." 

Standing  where  he  could  obtain  the  best  view  of 
the  winding  road,  Pythias,  with  anxious  brow,  kept 
a  strained  watch  upon  the  approach. 


194  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

Calanthe,  with  crimson  cheeks  and  flashing  eyes, 
ran  to  his  side  and  tapped  him  sharply  on  the  arm. 
He  started,  suddenly,  from  his  troubled  revery. 
And  when  he  saw  her  white  robed  figure  close  beside 
him  stretched  out  a  tender  arm  and  sought  to  draw 
her  to  him. 

"Well?"  she  questioned  with  strange  feverish- 
ness. 

"  A  moment  longer,"  he  begged. 

She  threw  back  her  head  and  laughed.  A  laugh 
that  was  not  good  to  hear  and  illsuited  to  her  dainty 
beauty. 

"  Come  now  —  or  not  at  all !  "  she  challenged 
resolutely,  her  eyes  alight  with  a  harsh  brilliancy. 

Pythias  stared  as  if  unhearing.  He  seized  her 
elbows  and  looked  deep  into  her  hostile  eyes. 

"  Why,  Calanthe,  dearest,"  he  murmured,  hurt 
and  broken.  "  You  did  not  mean  to  — " 

"  I  have  not  uttered  a  word  that  I  did  not  mean 
from  the  depths  of  my  heart,"  she  interrupted  defi- 
antly. "  Do  not  waste  breath  upon  a  useless  repeti- 
tion of  my  name,  or  in  a  string  of  endearing  terms. 
I  have  lost  interest  in  words.  If  you  would  give  me 
proof  of  your  love,  do  as  I  request.  I  would  have 
laughed  in  derision  had  anyone  suggested  to  me, 
ever,  that  I,  Calanthe,  would  so  far  lose  her  maidenly 
reserve  as  to  beseech  a  man  to  drag  her  to  her  nup- 
tial feast." 

Pythias  faced  her  sternly. 


FROM  GLADNESS  INTO  GLOOM     195 

"  In  a  moment  of  possible  tragedy,"  he  accused 
coldly,  "  you  speak  of  your  lightly  wounded  pride 
and  give  me  choice  of  flying  to  the  feast,  sick  at 
heart  —  or  not  at  all.  Cannot  your  mind  grasp  the 
horror  of  this  thing?  Think  you  that,  I,  who,  I  am 
sure,  have  proved  my  adoration  of  you  a  hundred- 
fold, will  consent  to  give  such  sinful  added  proof? 
For  'twould  be  but  sinful  to  face  the  festive  rites, 
when  my  dear  friend,  surrounded  by  his  enemies  and 
unprotected  by  my  presence,  may  perish?  You  ask 
that  which  I  cannot  do." 

Calanthe's  scarlet  cheeks  faded  to  a  ghastly  pallor. 
Her  lips  parted  as  if  to  question,  but  no  sound  came. 
Her  rounded  arms  that  had  been  clasped  so  proudly 
to  her  breast,  dropped,  lifeless,  at  her  sides,  spilling 
their  burden  of  waxen  lilies.  She  bent  her  head  and 
looked  upon  their  spotlessness. 

"  I  remember  once  I  said  that  lilies  were  beau- 
teous blooms  for  shrine  or  for  tomb  —  but  not  for 
love.  Not  for  love,"  she  repeated  in  vague  so- 
liloquy. 


CHAPTER  XY 
A  FREEMAN'S  LEGACY 

A  SINGLE  ray  of  the  bright,  afternoon  sun 
shrank  along  the  marble  floor  of  the 
senate  house,  now  splashing  into  a  bril- 
liant pool  of  gold,  now  wavering  and  fading,  gov- 
erned by  a  blowing  clump  of  foliage  directly  outside 
the  window  by  which  it  entered. 

The  cool  breeze  penetrated  to  the  inner  room 
where  excited  statesmen  welcomed  it,  and  breathed 
with  renewed  delight. 

Philistius  bent  forward  in  his  chair,  kept  a  sharp 
eye  on  the  figure  of  Damon,  silent  and  forbidding 
in  his  corner  of  the  bench.  He  noted  the  convul- 
sive opening  and  closing  of  his  hand,  the  fire  that 
darted  from  his  eye  as  words  in  praise  of  Dionysius 
fell  from  Damocles'  lips. 

"  And  so  do  we  prove  that  'twas  he  who  gov- 
erned our  fair  city,  though  we  have  feigned  the  gov- 
erning, ourselves,"  declaimed  the  speaker,  trem- 
bling lest  he  should  forget  the  words  his  master  has 
thrust  in  his  mouth. 

*  This  being  so,"  interrupted  Philistius  sternly, 
"  who  is  so  fit  as  he,  in  this  extremity,  to  be  the 

196 


A  FREEMAN'S  LEGACY  197 

single  pillar  on  whose  strength  all  power  should 
rest?  What  need  has  the  state  of  our  crowded  and 
contentious  councils?  And  therefore,  Senators  — 
countrymen  from  henceforth  —  I  do  submit  that  we 
dissolve.  That  for  the  purpose  of  a  better  and  a 
wiser  government  and  for  the  general  welfare  of 
our  great  city  we  choose  as  king  —  Dionysius  —  our 
natural  ruler." 

Damon  bounded  from  the  bench,  his  face  flaming 
to  purple,  the  arteries  swelling  to  ropelike  promi- 
nence on  his  temples. 

"A  king!  A  king!"  he  shouted.  "Are  your 
ears  sealed,  O  fathers,  that  you  hear  not?  Or  do 
you  hear  and  suffer  your  lips  to  be  dumb  ?  A  king ! 
Know  you  what  it  means?  " 

From  various  points  of  the  room  came  Voices 
raised  in  approbation. 

"  I  do  approve,"  said  one. 

"  And  I." 

"And  so  do  I,"  declared  a  third. 

Damocles  turned  to  the  amazed  Damon  wearing 
a  look  of  smug  gratification  that  seemed  designed 
for  his  rippling  jowls,  so  well  he  wore  it. 

"  All  are  content,"  he  remarked. 

Damon  strode  indignantly  to  the  steps  that  led 
to  the  president's  chair. 

"All?  All  are  content?  A  nation's  right  be- 
trayed and  none  dares  open  his  mouth  to  shout, 
'Nay,  I  am  not  content  I7  Content?  Mark  well 


198  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

my  form,  for  here  am  I,  a  Senator,  and  from  the 
depths  of  my  being  do  I  cry  to  the  echo  of  the 
vaulted  heavens :  *  Slaves !  Parricides !  Assassins, 
all !  '  I  blush  to  look  around  and  think  that  once 
I  called  you  men.  What  are  your  thoughts  that 
with  your  own  free,  willing  hands  you  tie  a  stone 
each  to  his  brother's  neck  and  drown  like  dogs,  in 
the  tide  of  this  disgrace!  What  strange  hellborn 
power,  working  for  evil,  in  your  minds,  has  per- 
suaded you  to  dig  your  own  dark  graves  and  creep 
into  them  to  die,  while  common  cutthroats  stand 
above  and  moisten  the  earth  that  covers  you  with 
the  blood  of  your  children  and  their  children?" 

"  I  have  not  sanctioned  it,"  a  voice,  afraid  of 
its  own  sound  upon  the  air,  drifted  to  the  fore. 

"  Nor  I ! ?' 

"  Nor  have  I !  "  the  refrain  gained  slightly  in  the 
power  of  repetition. 

Damon  stretched  out  his  hand  in  gratitude. 

"  For  these  few  voices,  thanks.  But,  alas,  they 
sound  too  lonely.  Oh,  open  up  your  hearts,  my 
brothers!  Think!  Think!  There  you  sit,  inani- 
mate as  if  you,  yourselves,  were  of  one  material  with 
the  benches  on  which  you  crouch !  See !  I  will  not 
chide  nor  rail,  nor  curse  you.  With  blinded  eyes 
and  weak  words,  with  heart  shattered  by  this  fell 
blow,  do  I  implore  you.  If  I  were  gifted  with  a 
flow  of  words  that  could  paint  pictures  for  your  eyes 
to  gaze  upon,  would  I  speak  of  our  fathers'  sacred 


A  FREEMAN'S  LEGACY  199 

images;  of  old  men,  our  grandsires;  of  affrighted 
mothers,  holding  forth,  in  shaking  hands,  the  squirm- 
ing bodies  of  their  innocent  infants,  whom  you  would 
make  slaves.  But  I  am  not  blessed  with  eloquence. 
My  tongue  makes  but  a  poor  attempt  to  put  in 
gilded  dress  the  agonies  of  my  heart.  So  do  I 
but  entreat  you  to  think  once  again." 

Philistius  rose  from  his  chair  and  descended  the 
steps.  His  lips  broadened  into  a  grin  of  ridicule. 
With  stately  step  he  found  his  way  to  the  main  en- 
trance of  the  senate  house.  There  he  raised  an 
arm,  in  signal,  to  one  who  was  standing  without. 

The  eyes  of  all  the  Senators  were  fastened  on  him, 
as  he  remained  there,  motionless.  Curiosity  ran 
riot.  A  subtle  whispering  rustled  on  the  air. 
Damon,  on  the  steps,  bent  forward  in  tense  concen- 
tration, held  the  folds  of  his  toga  more  closely  to 
his  body.  His  eyes  burned  into  those  of  his  hostile 
brothers. 

Suddenly,  there  was  a  ringing  shout  of  triumph 
from  the  guards  outside.  Philistius  extended  his 
hand,  grasped  one  stretched  out  to  meet  it,  and 
turning,  led  Dionysius  to  the  center  of  the  senate 
chamber !  Dionysius,  whose  gorgeous  robes  of 
state,  donned  to  lend  regal  atmosphere,  trailed  over 
the  marble  blocks  and  weighted  his  squat  shoulders. 

Left,  unsupported,  the  cynosure  of  eyes  both 
friendly  and  inimical,  he  raised  a  deprecatory  hand 
in  answer  to  the  cheering. 


200  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

"  Is  this  indeed  the  vote?  "  his  first  words,  soft, 
with  unbelief  well-feigned,  inflamed  Damon  to 
frenzy ! 

4  There  is  no  vote ! "  he  exclaimed  viglently. 
"  Philistius,  keep  your  seat!  Keep  in  your  places, 
Senators  1  " 

Seemingly  oblivious  to  the  interruption,  Diony- 
sius  spoke  again. 

"  I  ask,  is  this  the  vote?  " 

"  Oh,  gracious  liege  and  sovereign,  it  is  indeed 
the  vote,  echoed  from  every  throat  here,  in  rever- 
ential acknowledgment  of  your  dominion."  Philis- 
tius voiced  the  lie  with  glib  serenity. 

Damon  forced  his  way  through  the  group  of  ad- 
miring satellites.  He  stood  glaring  fiercely  into  the 
sunken  eyes  of  the  newly  proclaimed  king. 

"  I  say  it  is  not  the  vote !  "  he  ground  out  through 
his  tightly  clamped  teeth.  "  Think  you  that  by 
criminal  process  you  can  build  a  throne  in  this,  our 
senate  house?  " 

"  In  my  capacity  as  head  and  organ  of  the  city 
council  I  do  asseverate  it  is  the  vote.  All  hail,  then, 
Dionysius,  King  of  Syracuse,  all  hail!  " 

Philistius  dropped  in  servile  worship.  With  one 
accord  the  senators,  save  those  few  whose  faint  dis- 
senting voices  had  been  submerged,  and  Damon, 
bent  the  knee. 

Dionysius,  with  superbly  simulated  self-abase- 
ment, mounted  the  steps  of  the  chair  of  state,  his 


A  FREEMAN'S  LEGACY  201 

kingly  mantle  of  royal  purple  splashed  with  gold, 
flowing  over  the  steps,  from  the  topmost  one  to 
the  base.  Having  attained  the  summit,  he  leaned 
his  weight  upon  the  president's  table  and  raised  a 
hand  in  benediction. 

Damon,  aghast  at  the  triumph  of  the  conspiracy, 
stared,  wild-eyed  and  raving. 

"  My  country !  Oh,  my  ruined,  pillaged  coun- 
try." 

Dionysius  addressed  his  subjects: 

"  That  we  may  have  fitting  quiet  and  solemnity 
in  which  to  assume,  with  dignity,  our  garb  of  power, 
we  do  now  take  our  first  right ;  and  order  from  this, 
that  was  the  senate  house,  the  rash  and  tumultuous 
men  who  would  still  tamper  with  the  city's  peace. 
We  have  no  objection  to  rivalry  that  has  weight, 
but  this,  the  vain  contentious  variety,  is  preposterous, 
and  vexing!  " 

With  a  low,  wild  cry,  Damon  bounded  up  the 
steps.  He  thrust  his  rage-distorted  face  so  close  to 
the  cold  cynical  eyes,  that  his  hot  breath  seared  the 
paleness  of  Dionysius'  cheek. 

"There  is  no  rivalry  between  us!"  he  hissed, 
pressing  still  closer.  "  Only  one  move  is  left  by 
which  to  still  forever  your  base  ambitions.  Know 
you  what  it  is?  " 

Cowed  by  the  nearness  of  the  man,  Dionysius 
sought  support  lest  he  fall  backwards  to  the  plat-- 
form  floor. 


202  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

"  Know  you  what  it  is?  "  reiterated  Damon,  fol- 
lowing, inch  by  inch,  as  the  other  retreated. 

"Away!  Out  of  the  Senate!"  commanded  the 
king,  his  voice  breaking  with  hysterical  terror. 

Damon's  lips  shrank  back  from  his  teeth  in  a 
widening,  ghastly  smile.  From  his  throat  issued  a 
weirdly  guttural  chuckle. 

"  Know  you  what  it  is?  "  he  repeated  with  mad- 
dened persistency. 

But  now,  his  body,  pressed  against  the  shrinking 
man,  in  calm,  tenacious  obstinacy,  had  forced  him 
to  the  extreme  side  of  the  platform  where  he  clung 
to  the  wall  to  save  himself  from  the  sheer  drop  to 
the  floor. 

As  if  congealed  where  they  stood,  the  Senators 
looked  upon  the  drama  that  was  enacted.  Not  a 
man  but  felt  that  his  very  breathing  was  a  disturb- 
ing element  in  the  dead  silence. 

Damon,  his  forehead-band  pushed  from  his  head 
and  hanging  by  one  whitening  lock,  his  face  purple 
—  blotched,  with  insane  rage, —  his  eyes  narrowed 
to  two  fiery  slits,  in  his  head,  thrust  his  feet  forward 
and  pressed  his  knee  against  the  thigh  of  his  shrink- 
ing enemy. 

Dionysius  suffocated  by  his  nearness,  his  soul 
quaking  with  guilty  dread,  threw  his  arms  across 
his  face  and  cowered  in  his  corner.  They  made 
two  striking,  tragic  spots  —  the  crimson  and  the 


A  FREEMAN'S  LEGACY  203 

royal  purple  splashed  with  gold  —  against  the  mar- 
ble walls. 

"  Know  you  what  it  Is?  " 

Maddened  by  the  dogged  repetition  and  the 
blood-curdling  fate  that  it  suggested,  Dionysius 
screamed  a  command: 

"  My  guards !     My  guards !     Here !     I  — " 

"  Know  you  what  it  is?"  the  phrase  drilled  the 
craven  brain.  The  new  king  swayed  upon  his 
numbed  feet. 

"  My  guards!  "  he  shrieked  helplessly. 

A  chorus  of  hoarse  shouts  and  the  trampling  of 
many  feet  sounded  from  without. 

The  bronze  doors  of  the  senate  house  were  swung 
back  until  they  struck  the  granite  pillars  with  a 
harsh  and  deafening  clang.  Procles  and  his  soldiers 
rushed  over  the  threshold. 

Blinking  in  the  half-light,  they  stood  without  com- 
prehending the  situation. 

"I  proclaim  him  a  traitor!  Seize  him!"  yelled 
Dionysius,  with  shrill  impatience. 

"Traitor,  say  you?  Traitor!  Well,  then,  be- 
fore they  seize  this  traitor,  receive,  O  King,  a  free- 
man's legacy!  " 

With  a  mighty  wrench  Damon  tore  loose  his  left 
arm  from  its  confining  folds.  The  force  of  his 
gesture  ripped  his  toga  from  his  shoulder.  It 
dropped  to  his  hip,  exposing  his  splendid  chest  and 


204  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

massive  arm.  In  his  clenched  fist  the  glitter  of  a 
short  sword  rent  the  gloom. 

As  the  weapon  was  about  to  descend,  Procles 
bounded  forward,  and,  with  a  flying  leap,  seized 
the  upraised  wrist  and  bore  it  backward,  wrenching 
the  arm  in  the  socket  and  almost  tearing  the  liga- 
ments from  their  fastenings. 

In  the  first  agonizing  pain,  Damon  whitened  and 
swayed  as  if  to  swoon.  The  voice  of  Dionysius 
brought  him  back  to  consciousness. 

"  Behold  this  proud,  assassinating  demagogue !  " 
he  exclaimed;  his  bravery  returned  at  seeing  his  as- 
sailant in  the  grip  of  two  strong  men.  "  He  whets 
his  dagger  in  philosophy,  this  pupil  of  the  cutthroat 
school!  His  last  deed  is  done,  however.  For 
here  we  do  condemn  him  to  a  public  death ;  and  from 
his  blood  will  we  mix  a  rare  cement  to  our  mon- 
archy!" 

His  white  lips  compressed  in  agonizing  pain,  his 
face  ashen,  Damon  flung  back  his  retort: 

"  To  one  who  never  yet  has  wished  to  survive 
his  country,  death  is  indeed  a  royal  gift.  Lead  me 
to  the  scaffold,  sever  my  head  from  my  suffering 
body,  yet  will  my  dead  lips  move  once  again  and, 
gushing  blood,  form  the  word  *  Traitor ! ' 


CHAPTER  XVI 

A   LIFE    FOR  A   LIFE! 

THE  wail  of  strange  stringed  instruments  was 
wafted    from    the    interior    of    the    house. 
The  maids  laid  upon  the  stone  steps  their 
floral  burdens,  and  gazed  sadly  to  where  Pythias 
strove  to  bring  back  to  reason  their  angered  mistress. 

"  How  extravagant  are  his  promises,  now  that 
she  is  deaf  to  them!  "  thought  Eunice,  and  curled 
her  lips  in  unconscious  sarcasm.  "  Methinks  it  is 
the  habit  of  men  to  appreciate  that  which  they  have 
only  when  it  has  slipped  so  far  from  their  posses- 
sion that  it  requires  mighty  effort  to  bring  it  back. 
Yea,  that  is  the  mold  of  men, —  mayhap  of  women, 
too,"  she  added,  reluctant  to  credit  the  latter  state- 
ment's truth,  however. 

"  I  will  attend  her  to  her  chamber,'*  she  an- 
nounced, her  angry  eyes  scorning  the  figure  of 
Pythias. 

"  It  is  not  necessary,"  he  rebuked  sternly.  "  I 
will  bear  her  hither  in  my  arms  if  she  desires  to  go. 
Do  you  wish  me  to  place  you  on  your  couch,  sweet?  " 
He  bent  and  attempted  to  look  into  the  eyes  that 
were  turned  from  his. 

205 


2o6  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

"  Can  you  not  see  that  she  is  in  no  mood  or  con- 
dition for  questions?"  exclaimed  Eunice,  appealing 
to  Arria  for  corroboration.  "If  you  will  let  me 
soothe  her  for  a  short  time,  then  will  she  recover 
her  normal  state  and  come  into  the  garden,  her  rosy, 
happy  self  once  more." 

"  Calanthe,  turn  not  your  dear  eyes  from  mine," 
pleaded  Pythias,  piteously.  "  Am  I  grown  so  dis- 
tasteful to  your  heart  that  you  cannot  bear  to  look 
upon  my  features?  See,  I  make  promise  to  do  all 
that  you  desire.  And  on  my  knees,  I'll  beg  for- 
giveness for  my  obstinate  refusals  of  a  moment 


since." 


The  white,  forbidding  face  held  no  sign  of  yield- 
ing. Arria  touched  her  daughter's  hand  and 
smoothed  her  soft  cheek. 

"  There  must  be  forgiveness  granted  when  for- 
giveness is  sought,"  she  advised  gently.  "  Always 
in  the  lives  of  man  and  woman  do  occasions  arise 
when  the  mantle  of  humility  must  envelop  one  or 
the  other.  Remember  that  if  its  folds  fall  upon 
your  beloved  to-day,  and  you  refuse  him  absolution, 
so  will  he  turn  a  deaf  ear,  when  on  the  morrow  the 
cloak  enshroud  you.  Forgive  and  be  forgiven,  child. 
Well  learned,  this  formula  will  do  much  to  bring 
you  everlasting  happiness." 

Eunice  not  daring  to  add  to,  or  detract  from,  the 
counsel  given,  looked  on,  filled  with  pity  for  her 
sweet  Calanthe,  who  had  in  one  short  day  learned 


A  LIFE  FOR  A  LIFE!  207 

so  completely  that  e'en  the  brightest  sunshine  and 
the  bluest  sky  can  be  darkened  by  ungracious  acts 
and  harsh  words. 

Pythias  tightened  his  hold  upon  her  in  dread  lest 
she  disregard  her  mother's  admonition  and  dart 
from  his  arms  in  anger.  Her  body,  weak  from  men- 
tal struggling  and  many  tears,  her  mind  cleared  and 
receptive,  Calanthe  lifted  her  white  arms  and 
brought  her  lover's  mouth  down  to  her  soft  lips. 
In  a  long,  solemn  kiss  were  all  hard  thoughts 
brushed  away,  and  smiles  reigned  where  frowns  and 
deep  lines  had  been. 

"Will  you  proceed  to  the  feast  now?"  asked 
Pythias,  anxious  to  prove  on  the  instant  how  firm  was 
his  purpose  to  please. 

"  First  must  I  seek  my  chamber  and  repair  the 
ravages  that  this  long  waiting  has  put  upon  me." 
Calanthe  smiled  as  she  made  answer:  "  Now  will 
I  keep  you  chafing  with  impatience,  outside  my  door, 
while  I  call  out  to  you,  '  Be  not  impatient,  Pythias, 
'tis  but  with  a  moment  longer.'  Come,  Eunice,  you 
must  smooth  with  perfumed  cream  the  tracks  that 
frowns  have  left  behind  them;  and  bathe  to  their 
accustomed  brilliance  my  reddened  eyes.  I  would 
be  as  fair  a  bride  as  e'er  trod  bridal  dance.  Come 
make  me  so,  my  Eunice." 

Pythias  watched  her  disappear  through  her 
draped  balcony.  Then  only  did  the  dread  thoughts 
return.  As  if  waking  to  the  realization  that  he 


208  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

had  been  unfaithful  to  a  solemn  vow,  he  bounded  to 
the  spot  from  which  he  could  obtain  a  full  view  of 
the  road.  Then,  on  the  dusty  whiteness,  a  dark 
spot  that  flew  over  the  ground  drew  nearer  and 
nearer. 

Pythias  pressed  tense  fingers  to  his  throbbing  tem- 
ples. He  could  feel  the  terror  in  that  bounding 
figure.  Before  he  knew  the  message  that  it  brought, 
his  soul  was  plunged  into  an  agony  of  despair,  firm 
in  the  knowledge  that  the  worst  had  happened. 

Nearer  and  nearer  flew  the  dark  spot.  The  short 
brown  tunic  and  swarthy  legs  could  now  be  distin- 
guished. Dreading  the  moment  when  the  actual 
words  would  fall  upon  his  apprehensive  ears, 
Pythias  stood  as  if  turned  to  stone,  his  eyes  strain- 
ing in  their  sockets,  his  lips  dry  and  burning,  parted 
by  short,  gasping  breaths. 

A  moment  longer!  The  man  who  had  been  the 
spot  dashed  through  the  trees  and  fell  flat,  his  arms 
and  legs  outspread,  before  the  young  general.  It 
was  Lucullus!  His  black  face  blotched  where  dust 
had  caked  in  the  sweat  that  poured  from  his  brow. 
His  eyeballs  bloodshot,  his  beady  eyes  rolling  in  an 
agony  of  terror,  he  sought  to  deliver  his  message. 
The  lips  moved,  the  tongue  shot  out  from  between 
the  parched  lips,  but  all  that  was  audible  were  rasp- 
ing sounds  that  rattled  drily  and  then  ceased. 

"Damon?     Your  master?     What  —  what — " 

Lucullus  rolled  laboriously  to  his  side.     He  at- 


Universal  Film  Manufacturing  Co. 

"GO   I   MUST  !      MY   FRIEND   IS   IN   DANGER." 


A  LIFE  FOR  A  LIFE!  209 

tempted  to  prop  his  aching  body  on  one  elbow  and 
thus  rise,  but  strength  had  deserted  his  limbs. 
Pythias  slipped  his  hands  under  the  slave's  armpits 
and  lifted  him,  allowing  him  to  rest  his  weight 
against  his  own  body. 

"  Now  speak!  Every  moment  wasted  may  mean 
much  to  him.  Tell  me  briefly.  Tell  me  what  — " 

"  O  my  lord,"  panted  Lucullus,  "  I  have  brought 
news  that  will  rend  your  heart  in  two.  And  when 
I  have  delivered  it,  then  do  I  wish  for  naught  but 
to  die.  My  master,  my  worshiped  master,  is  —  is 
condemned  to  public  death.  But  an  hour  they  have 
given  him  before  he  mounts  the  scaffolding  and 
bends  his  noble  head  to  the  murderous  ax." 

"  Death !  Public  death  1  Condemned  to 
death !  "  Pythias  muttered  the  words  unintelligi- 
bly. Then  suddenly  becoming  lucid,  "  For  what? 
By  whom?" 

"  For  assaulting  Dionysius  when  he  had  just  been 
declared  king.  He  had  a  sword.  He  rarely  car- 
ries one.  And  this  was  not  his  own.  With  the 
weapon  he  sought  to  assassinate  the  sovereign,  but 
before  he  could  accomplish  it,  was  his  sword-arm 
half  torn  from  its  socket  and  he  was  taken  prisoner. 
O  my  lord,  my  master's  dearest  friend,  can  you  not 
do  something  to  prevent  this  awful  thing?  " 

The  slave  sank  again  to  the  ground,  his  black 
body  torn  with  sobs.  He  kissed  the  feet  of  Pythias 
and  besought  him  to  hasten  to  the  city.  Then,  half 


210  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

dead  from  lack  of  food  and  over-straining,  stag- 
gered to  his  feet  and  pointed  a  shaking  hand  toward 
the  rooftops,  glistening  in  the  sun. 

Pythias  passed  his  dry  palms  over  his  burning 
forehead  and  following  the  pointed  finger,  could 
discern  a  slow  procession  moving  from  the  senate 
house.  It  was  headed  by  soldiers  bearing  spears, 
whose  sharpened  points  caught  the  rays  of  the  sun 
and  glistened,  at  that  great  distance,  like  diamonds 
rolling  in  the  sand. 

In  the  center  of  these  dazzling  spear  ends,  he 
could  detect  a  spot  of  white  and  crimson,  and  shin- 
ing above  it  a  whitened  head.  A  dry  sob  shook  his 
huge  frame.  He  stretched  his  arms  in  piteous  sup- 
plication toward  the  city,  and,  without  a  backward 
glance,  rushed  from  the  grove,  Lucullus  following 
at  his  heels. 

All  was  quiet  in  Calanthe's  garden.  A  mocking 
bird's  taunting  call  quivered  through  the  trees.  A 
sudden  breeze  borne  upward  from  the  sapphire 
waters  of  the  Mediterranean  stirred  the  flower  beds 
and  filled  the  air  with  an  intoxicating  riot  of  per- 
fume. From  the  temple  the  wailing  of  the  stringed 
instruments  was  wafted  to  the  gardens.  The  light 
laughter  of  maidens  who  pelted  each  other  with 
roses,  rang  out  with  gay  insistence. 

Calanthe,  radiant  in  her  freshened  robes,  crept 
slyly  from  the  portal.  It  was  her  intention  to  steal 
upon  her  lover,  unsuspecting,  and  throw  herself  into 


A  LIFE  FOR  A  LIFE!  211 

his  eager  arms.  She  glanced  about,  cautiously. 
His  form  was  nowhere  visible.  Oh !  he  was  in  hid- 
ing from  her!  'Twas  too  bad  he  had  forestalled 
her. 

She  darted  lightly  from  corner  to  corner,  peer- 
ing behind  huge  tree  trunks,  stooping  to  part  the 
spreading  branches  of  flowering  bushes.  Not  a  ves- 
tige of  his  tunic  or  bright  armor  was  to  be  seen. 

Petulant  at  his  success  in  eluding  her,  she  called 
his  name : 

"  Pythias !  Come  from  your  place  of  hiding.  I 
am  weary  of  searching.  Pythias!  Dear  one! 
Disclose  yourself." 

The  mocking  bird's  jeering  call  floated  again  on 
the  breeze  —  then  all  was  stillness. 

In  abrupt,  petrifying  fear,  Calanthe  turned  her 
eyes  toward  the  city.  Far  down  the  road,  fleeing 
as  if  from  death,  instead  of  toward  it,  were  two 
figures  —  and  one  was  blond  of  curls,  with  stalwart 
form  clad  in  polished  armor. 


CHAPTER  XVII 

LOST! 

DOWN  in  the  public  square,  the  crowds  that 
had  assembled  in  the  Circus  at  dawn  of 
that  same  day,  now  satiated  with  games 
and  the  feasting  and  drinking  that  followed,  again 
surged  into  the  streets.  Their  dulled  senses,  anxious 
for  sleep  but  a  moment  before,  had  been  whipped 
to  a  new,  keen  excitement. 

The  news  spread  as  will  a  tongue  of  flame  upon 
a  sea  of  oil.  Those  who  had  buried  themselves 
behind  barred  doors  and  shuttered  windows  were 
roused  by  considerate  neighbors,  who  kn,ew  how 
acute  would  be  their  disappointment  were  they  to 
miss  this  marvelous  event. 

Along  the  streets,  each  by-way  tributary  adding 
its  small  stream  to  the  flood  of  humanity  in  the  main 
squares,  poured  the  frenzied  mob,  now  solemnly 
silent,  now  rumbling  low,  whether  in  protest  or  ap- 
probation, no  one  could  determine. 

In  the  center  of  the  hollow  square  of  soldiers, 
who  carried  their  spears  in  readiness  to  defend, 
walked  Damon.  From  his  fine  shoulders  his  toga 

212 


LOST!  213 

hung  in  tatters.  His  flesh  so  fair  in  contrast  to  the 
sunbaked  skins  of  warriors,  showed  milkwhite 
against  the  crimson  of  his  torn  mantle.  His  head 
well  up  and  eyes  defiant,  though  not  bold,  conveyed 
to  the  excited  crowd  that  here  was  no  craven  —  no 
trembling  coward  was  about  to  find  his  fate.  The 
spirit  of  a  brave  man  mixed  with  the  gravity  of  a 
philosopher  and  the  keen  intelligence  of  a  states- 
man was  to  be  sacrificed  on  the  block. 

As  the  people  grew  accustomed  to  the  thought, 
there  arose  muffled  threats  and  violent  denuncia- 
tions. These  were  quickly  snuffed  out,  however, 
by  an  impressive  spear  point,  or  a  well-aimed  kick 
from  a  soldier's  metal-tipped  sandal. 

When  the  procession  had  advanced  halfway,  a 
group  of  men  issued  from  the  main  portal  of  the 
senate  house  and,  posed  upon  the  steps,  presented  a 
strange,  gorgeous  note  on  the  background  of  this 
grim  tragedy. 

Dionysius,  attended  by  his  satellites,  his  crown 
upon  his  brow,  gratified  to  think  that  his  first  act 
of  royal  authority  was  so  spectacular  in  character, 
looked  upon  the  scene  in  search  of  his  servants  to 
bear  him,  in  his  chair,  to  the  spot  of  execution. 

Damocles  was  sent  to  summon  the  negligent 
slaves.  As  his  flat  feet  descended,  ponderously, 
upon  each  successive  step,  he  mused  upon  the  hap- 
penings of  the  day. 

He  had  played  a  tedious,  uncomplaining  part  in 


214  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

each  event  that  had  brought  Dionysius  a  step  nearer 
to  the  throne.  'In  the  crowning  moment  to-day, 
in  the  senate  house,  had  he  not  acted  as  target  for 
the  violence  of  this  same  Damon,  upon  having  pro- 
posed the  kingly  candidate?  It  was  by  the  mercy 
of  the  gods  that  that  audacious  dagger  had  not  been 
drawn  at  his  plump  throat.  Yes,  he  had  been  a 
victim  of  insult  and  insinuation,  but  now  his  assail- 
ant was  on  his  way  to  the  headsman's  block.  He 
had  met  his  fate.  There  was  some  satisfaction  in 
that.  Damocles'  step  was  lighter  at  the  thought, 
but  only  a  few  paces  further  on,  it  again  grew 
weighty.  Another  thought  had  come.  What, 
after  all  this  service,  was  going  to  be  his  share? 
When  he  had  made  plaintive  request  for  reward, 
before  this,  the  answer  had  always  been  "  Wait  until 
'tis  accomplished." 

Well,  it  had  been  accomplished.  And  yet  here 
was  he  doing  errands  in  the  same  manner,  not  one 
bit  elevated  from  his. former  position  of  super-page. 
Damocles  halted  in  his  path  and  glanced  back  over 
his  shoulder.  His  small  eyes,  blazing  with  sudden 
resentment,  sought  the  royal  purple  spot  that  be- 
trayed the  arch-conspirator. 

There  came  to  him,  in  all  its  significance,  the 
certain  knowledge,  that  never,  promises  or  no, 
would. he  get  reward  of  any  sort.  His  labors  had 
been  obtained,  under  false  pretense  and  spurious 


LOST!  215 

promises.  Angry  humiliation  overwhelmed  him, 
and,  in  deep-dyed  revenge  upon  his  betrayer,  Damo- 
cles went  to  his  dwelling  and  did  not  seek  for  the 
chair-bearers  of  the  king! 

Before  it  turned  into  the  adjoining  square,  the 
procession  halted  again  to  give  the  soldiers  a  chance 
to  clear  the  choked  thoroughfares. 

Damon's  eyes,  unseeing,  scanned  the  horizon. 
First  he  gazed  toward  Lutania,  where  he  pictured 
his  beautiful  summer  home  nestling  in  its  verdant 
setting.  He  could  imagine,  so  easily,  his  wife  and 
child,  under  the  blossoming  orange  trees.  His 
wife !  His  child ! 

Tears,  unbidden,  sprang  to  his  eyes.  He  bent  his 
head  in  shame.  A  man  he  was.  And  men,  with 
right  graven  upon  their  hearts,  go  to  their  deaths 
uncomplaining.  His  vision  cleared,  he  gazed  aloft, 
to  the  nearest  hill.  There  in  the  white  marble 
temple,  heavy  with  the  scent  of  blossoms,  was 
Pythias,  his  beloved  friend,  joined  in  wedlock  to  his 
sweet  Calanthe.  There  would  he  have  been,  a  happy 
spectator,  if  — 

A  wild  shout  rang  out  upon  the  air.  The  crowd 
parted  as  if  cloven  by  a  mighty  sword.  Coming 
toward  him,  with  arms  outstretched,  was  Pythias! 
AndMirectly  behind  shone  the  dark  face  of  Lucullus. 
His  friend  and  his  adoring  slave  —  both  come  to 
comfort  his  last  hour. 


2i6  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

Pythias  attempted  to  rush  into  his  eager  arms. 
On  the  instant,  the  two  first  soldiers  crossed  their 
long  spears  and  formed  a  barrier  to  his  progress. 


©  Universal  Film  Manufacturing  Co, 

"MY    MASTER    IS    CONDEMNED    TO    PUBLIC    DEATH." 


Universal  Film  Manufacturing  Co, 

"OH,    HE    WILL    NEVER    COME    BACK!' 


CHAPTER  XVIII 

THE   VOW 

66TT   MUST    speak    to    him!     I    will   speak   to 
him." 

JL       The  attendant  guard  was  adamant. 

"  O  Damon !  My  Damon !  Dearly  beloved 
friend,  doom  and  death  in  one  short  hour!  They 
cannot  butcher  you  before  we  have  talked  together. 
Even  a  criminal  is  allowed  to  tell  his  dying  wish  to 
a  friend.  Stand  aside !  Here,  Procles !  Bid  these 
men  allow  me  to  embrace  my  friend.  Ah !  " 

The  barrier  removed,  Pythias  dashed  into  the  hol- 
low square  and  folded  Damon  in  his  strong  young 
arms. 

"What  can  be  done?  Speak  quickly,  that  I  may 
do  all  that  lies  in  my  poor  power.  Will  Diony- 
sius— ?" 

'  With  Dionysius  naught  is  of  avail,"  said  Da- 
mon bitterly.  "  He  has  denied  me  but  a  few  hours' 
respite  that  my  wife  and  child  may  journey  from  our 
country  home  and  bid  me  farewell !  " 

"  He  has  forbidden  that?" 

'  Yea,  'twas  the  only  request  I  made,  and  as 
quickly  as  'twas  asked,  so  quickly  was't  denied." 

217 


2i 8  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

"  And  you  would  see  them  to  bid  them  farewell?  " 
asked  Pythias  earnestly.  "  It  is  the  most  important 
of  your  last  desires?  " 

Damon  gripped  his  friend's*hand  in  the  clasp  of 
steel.  His  eyes,  for  the  first  time,  brimmed  over 
and  tears  rained  down  his  livid  cheeks. 

"  If  my  life  were  measured  by  destiny,  into  a 
thousand  years  of  happiness,  yet  would  I  give  every 
minute  of  that  thousand  years  for  just  one  moment, 
now,  in  which  I  could  press  my  wife  and  son  to  my 
heart !  Just  to  have  kissed  them  —  my  sweet  wife 
and  my  adored  son." 

Pythias  gave  him  an  earnest  glance.  It  held  out 
promise,  promise  of  hope. 

"  Lead  me  to  Dionysius,  Procles.  I  mean  unto 
the  king  since  that  is  now  his  name.  Lead  me  unto 
the  king;  I  have  a  request  to  make.  Ah!  Here  he 
comes,  borne  in  his  chair,  flanked  by  his  satellites  — 
all  save  Damocles.  Halt  him  on  his  way !  " 

In  the  center  of  the  densely  crowded  roadway, 
where  the  people  were  torn  between  their  desire  to 
view  the  new  king  and  their  curiosity  about  the 
doomed  Senator,  Pythias  threw  himself  upon  his 
knees. 

"  Behold  me,  Dionysius,  at  your  feet,"  he  cried 
in  great  distress.  "Hear  me!  I  have  won  many 
battles  for  you,  I  shall  win  many  more  before  my 
day  of  usefulness  is  over.  Also,  I  do  not  wish  for 
glory.  If  there  is  any,  I  will  bestow  it  gladly  on 


THE  VOW  219 

your  shoulders.  This  is  my  one  prayer:  Grant 
that  Damon  journey  to  his  summer  home  to  take 
leave  of  his  sweet  wife  and  child. 

"Nay!  "  as  he  saw  the  hand  raised  in  cold  de- 
nial. "  Dost  think  that  I  would  ask  it  if  I  were  not 
prepared  to  give  security  for  his  return?  I  am  pre- 
pared. Permit  that  he  do  this  and  put  me  in  chains, 
in  his  stead.  Plunge  me  into  his  dungeon,  a  pledge 
for  his  return.  If  you  do  this,  may  the  gods  build 
up  your  greatness  as  high  as  their  own  heavens!  " 

Dionysius  smiled  in  amused  contempt. 

"  What  is  the  cause  of  all  this  agitation  and  talk 
of  sacrifice  and  such?  Is  he  your  brother,  this  Da- 
mon?" 

Dionysius  motioned  to  have  Damon  brought  to 
him.  The  doomed  man,  expecting  nothing  save  the 
harsh  treatment  he  had  already  been  accorded, 
looked  with  deep  hatred  upon  the  seated  king. 

"  If  I  should  grant  this,  your  friend's  request," 
Dionysius  questioned  him,  "  are  you  quite  sure  that 
you  would  come  and  ransom  him  at  sunset?  " 

A  radiance  overspread  the  features  of  Damon. 
He  advanced  his  left  foot,  placed  his  left  hand  upon 
his  left  breast  and  raised  his  closed  right  hand  as  if 
about  to  strike  a  downward  blow. 

"  I  do  solemnly  swear  I  will  return  at  the  ap- 
pointed hour,"  he  recited  slowly  and  with  imposing 
gravity. 

"  Then     'tis     granted,"     announced    Dionysius. 


220  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

"  Away,  at  once,  and  haste !     Conduct  that  man  te 
prison."     He  indicated  Pythias. 

The  two  friends'  hands  remained  locked  in  a  close 
embrace,  for  the  duration  of  a  minute's  time.  Then 
Damon,  his  face  lighted  by  a  divine  happiness,  broke 
through  the  crowd.  As  he  disappeared  from  view, 
Pythias,  with  hands  clasped  behind  him,  took  his 
place  in  the  hollow  square  and  marched  with  buoy- 
ant step  to  his  cell. 


CHAPTER  XIX 

THE   UNKNOWN 

A  GRAY-BEARDED    man,    whose    tangled 
white  hair  cascaded  out  from  his  hood  and 
over  his  forehead,  loitered  near  the  city 
gate. 

Few  gave  a  second  glance  to  the  somewhat  bent 
old  form  in  its  sober  woolen  garb  of  a  freedman. 
Such  few  as  chanced  to  notice  him  turned  away 
in  pity  or  in  disgust.  For  his  lean  and  wrinkled 
face  was  blotched  and  twisted  as  by  the  blood-fire 
sickness,  and  one  of  his  eyes  was  wholly  closed  as 
by  the  same  malady's  ravages.  He  was  not  a  sight 
to  inspire  interest  or  liking. 

Through  the  dusty  gateway  plodded  the  noon- 
day throngs:  the  water-vendor,  his  wares  in  drip- 
ping pigskins  athwart  the  back  of  his  mangy  don- 
key;—  the  camel-train,  the  ugly  beasts'  padded  feet 
stirring  up  puffs  of  hot  white  dust  at  every  step :  — 
the  half-naked  slaves  of  some  rich  man  bearing  along 
their  master  in  a  curtained  litter;  sweating  as  they 
moved  under  the  avalanche  of  coppery  sunlight;  — 
these  and  hundreds  of  others  filled  the  space  on 
either  side  of  the  wide-flung  gates. 

221 


222  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

To  all,  the  old  man  granted  but  scant  attention. 
His  single  eye  was  piercing  the  throng  for  something 
he  sought;  his  ears  seemed  strained  for  some  special 
sound,  through  the  babel  of  traffic. 

And,  as  he  stood  there  humbly,  unnoticed,  in  the 
glare  of  dust,  it  seemed  that  he  saw  at  last  what  he 
sought. 

Out  through  the  crowd  that  debouched  from  a 
nearby  street  thundered  a  mighty  gray  horse,  on 
whose  back  rode  a  spare,  stern  faced  man,  his  sena- 
torial toga  blowing  loose  behind  him  in  the  wind. 
At  his  side,  clutching  his  stirrup  leather,  ran  a  swart- 
faced  slave. 

At  sight  of  the  plunging  horse,  a  buzz  of  excla- 
mations arose.  No  swaggering  bully  nor  overhur- 
ried  shopman  but  made  room  for  those  rearing  fore- 
legs and  flashing  hoofs.  A  lane  was  cleared  for 
the  rider's  passage.  The  way  to  the  open  gates 
was  free. 

On  dashed  the  horse,  spurred  by  his  senatorial 
rider;  the  slave  at  the  stirrup  being  jerked  from  the 
ground  at  each  bound.  Then,  alL  at  once,  in  the 
very  gateway,  the  horseman  pulled  back  his  steed 
with  a  suddenness  that  wellnigh  threw  the  nettled 
gray  brute  on  its  haunches. 

There,  in  the  very  center  of  the  broad  gateway, 
heedless  of  the  peril  of  death  beneath  the  thunder- 
ing hoofs,  stood  a  girl ;  —  Calanthe !  In  her  bridal 


THE  UNKNOWN  223 

white,  she  stood  there>  her  face  upraised  and  pale, 
unprotected  beneath  the  blazing  sky. 

"Hold,  sir!  "  she  cried,  throwing  forward  one 
smooth  arm  to  check  the  rider.  "Damon!  One 
moment,  wait !  " 

Damon,  irked  at  the  halt,  none  the  less  bent  courte- 
ously toward  her.  From  his  impassive  face,  the 
girl  could  not  have  guessed  how  bitterly  he  grudged 
these  moments  he  must  waste  in  speech  with  her  in- 
stead of  adding  them  to  the  hoarded  minutes  he 
wished  to  spend  at  the  side  of  his  adored  Hermion. 

"  Damon!  "  cried  Calanthe,  "  I  must  speak  with 
you.  I  hurried  here.  I  feared  I  would  be  too 
late." 

"  There  was  delay,"  said  Damon.  "  Lucullus, 
my  slave,  here,  lost  his  road  in  fetching  my  horse 
from  the  stables.  I  must  — " 

"  Stay,  Damon!  "  she  implored.  "Is  what  they 
tell  me  true?" 

"I  would  gladly  stay  at  any  time  but  this,"  he 
broke  in.  "  A  brother's  betrothed  is  sacred  to  me, 
and  her  wishes  are  as  his  own.  But  I  entreat  you 
not  to  shorten  the  mere  hand's  breadth  of  time  given 
to  my  heart. /  I  — " 

"  Is  it  true?  "  she  insisted.  "  Is  it  true  that  you 
have  pledged  my  husband's  life  for  your  safe  re- 
turn?" 

"  It  is  better  that  I  should  say  to  my  wife,  l  Her- 


224  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

mion,  I  must  die !  '  than  that  others  should  say  to 
her  to-morrow:  *  Hermion,  he  is  dead!'  ' 

"  No !  "  blazed  the  girl.  "  On  the  morrow  you 
will  say  to  her,  '  Pythias  has  died  for  me!'  To- 
morrow, safe  from  Syracuse,  you  will  — " 

"Calanthe!"  he  cried,  aghast.  ".You  believe 
that?  You  believe  I  would  betray  him?  My 
friend,  my  brother?  You  believe — ?  " 

"  I  hear  folk  around  me  whisper:  '  Damon  goes 
free!  Pythias  pays  the  price.  Damon  will  not  re- 
turn. No  mortal  would  twice  thrust  his  head  into 
the  lion's  jaws.'  I  heard  — " 

"You  heard,  Calanthe?  When  the  breath  of 
scandal  touches  the  garments  of  a  fellow-being,  many 
are  ready  to  condemn!  I'll  not  swear  to  you  that 
I  shall  come  back.  For  when  men  lift  their  hands 
in  oath  to  the  gods,  it  is  to  give  assurance  to  a 
doubt.  To  swear  that  I  will  return  to  my  friend 
would  profane  the  sanctity  of  friendship.  Good-by. 
On  the  sixth  hour  I  come  back." 

"  No,  no !  "  she  shrieked,  seizing  his  bridle  in  an 
ecstasy  of  terror.  "  You  shall  not  go.  You  shall 
not!  I  am  a  woman.  I  know  what  women's 
hearts  lead  them  to  do.  Even  as  now  I  grasp  the 
bridle  rein,  so  will  Hermion  grasp  your  soul  and 
your  will-power.  Her  arms  around  your  neck;  her 
tears  on  your  face,  her  sobbed  entreaties  in  your 
ears  —  you  cannot  withstand  her.  You  cannot! 
Mortal  man  cannot.  I  know  1  know!  " 


s 


THE  UNKNOWN  225 

Lucullus  darted  forward,  waiting  for  no  word  of 
command  from  his  master.  Tenderly,  yet  with  ir- 
resistible wiry  strength,  he  loosed  the  anguished  girl's 
grip  from  the  rein,  lifted  her  from  the  ground  and 
set  her  to  one  side  of  the  roadway. 

"  Damon!"  she  screamed.  "Mercy!  Have 
mercy !  " 

"  May  the  gods  help  and  comfort  you,  maiden!  " 
groaned  Damon,  striking  spur  again  into  his  horse's 
flanks.  Lucullus,  at  a  bound,  was  once  more  at  the 
stirrup.  And,  out  through  the  gateway,  shot  the 
great  gray  horse. 

"  Oh,  he  will  never  come  back!  "  wept  Calanthe, 
heedless  of  the  ring  of  staring,  sympathetic  faces 
around  her.  "  He  will  never  come  back.  His  wife 
—  his  child  —  they  will  not  let  him  return.  His 
heart  will  bind  him  to  them  with  ropes  of  steel. 
Pythias!  The  friend  who  must  die  for  his  craven 
friend!" 

A  light  touch  on  her  arm  made  her  turn.  Through 
a  mist  of  tears  she  saw  the  old  one-eyed  freedman 
beside  her. 

"  You  are  Calanthe?"  asked  the  old  man,  his 
voice  very  gentle.  "  You  are  Calanthe,  the  bride  of 
Pythias?" 

"  His  bride?  "  echoed  the  desolated  girl.  "  I  was 
to  be  his  bride.  But  —  oh,  Damon  will  not  return ! 
I  know  he  will  not." 

"  He  will  not,"  assented  the  old  man,  his  voice 


226  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

as  solemn,  as  hopeless,  as  the  toll  of  the  passing 
bell. 

"  What  are  you  saying?  "  she  faltered,  trembling 
at  his  words  and  tone.  "  What  do  you  know  of 
him?" 

"  I  know,"  sadly  repeated  the  old  man,  "  that 
Damon  will  never  come  back.  Not  at  the  allotted 
sixth  hour  or  at  any  later  day." 

"  What  do  you  mean  ?     Who  are  you  ?  " 
'  Who  am  I  ?     My  name  will  mean  little  enough 
to  you.     I  am  Creugas,  a  freedman.     I  am  a  serv- 
ant in  the  house  of  Dionysius,  the  tyrant." 

"  Of  Dionysius !  "  she  shuddered. 

"  On  whom  be  the  black  curse  of  Pluton!"  he 
added.  "  Yet,  now  you  must  believe  I  know  whereof 
I  speak.  Damon  will  not  return." 

1  Will  not  return?"  she  repeated,  womanlike  de- 
fending where  late  she  had  accused.  "  What  can  the 
tyrant  or  any  of  his  household  know  of  such  devo- 
tion as  binds  these  two  friends  together?  They  — " 

1  We  can  know  nothing  of  it,"  sighed  Creugas. 
"  Friendship  and  loyalty  are  strangers  to  our  house. 
But  we  who  serve  him  can  know  something  of  the 
tyrant's  mind.  It  is  from  that  knowledge  I  say 
Damon  will  not  return." 

"  You  mean  that  he  — " 

"  I  mean  that  my  master  has  sent  ahead  a  half 
score  of  his  mounted  guard,  to  intercept  Damon  ere 
he  can  mount  the  hillside  to  his  home.  They  will 


THE  UNKNOWN  227 

be  awaiting  him  in  the  patch  of  woodland  at  the 
mountain-foot.  Damon  will  not  emerge  alive  from 
that  strip  of  forest.  Think  you  it  was  by  mistake 
his  slave  was  kept  so  long  at  saddling  his  horse  and 
bringing  the  steed  to  him?  The  guards  must  need 
gain  the  start  they  needed." 

"No!     No!" 

"  That  is  why  I  say  Damon  will  not  return  —  and 
that  Pythias  is  doomed  to  die !  " 

"  The  monster !  To  give  Damon  the  six-hour 
reprieve,  as  a  cat  might  let  a  mouse  think  to  escape ! 
Oh,  Pythias !  " 

"  It  is  not  the  way  of  Dionysius,"  said  Creugas, 
grimly,  "  to  give  aught  in  foolish  generosity.  As 
well  might  both  Pythias  and  Damon  have  known, 
had  they  but  paused  to  think.  He  is  resolved  on 
Damon's  death — " 

"  But  Pythias  ?  " 

"  Pythias  won  the  chariot  race.  Pythias  over- 
threw the  foes  of  Syracuse.  The  mob  and  the  sol- 
diery shout  overloud  when  Pythias  appears  in  the 
streets.  Dionysius  is  glad  to  rid  himself  of  so  popu- 
lar a  man.  A  man  who  might  well  threaten  the 
throne  itself.  He  dared  not  lay  hands  openly  on 
Pythias;  for  the  people  love  the  blond  giant.  But 
none  dare  censure  him  for  taking  the  life  Pythias  has 
willingly  placed  in  pawn." 

"  Oh,  gods !  "  she  moaned  in  mortal  terror.  "  Is 
there  no  way  to  save  him  ?  No  way  ?  Sir,  you  voice 


228  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

is  kind.  From  a  kind  heart  you  have  come  to  warn 
me.  Help  me  now!  Help  me  to  save  my  be- 
loved !  You  can  help  Pythias  escape  ?  Oh,  you  can 
doit?  You  will?" 

"  Yes,"  said  the  old  man,  simply.  "  And  so  shall 
I  pay  two  debts :  A  debt  of  hate  to  the  tyrant,  my 
master;  a  debt  of  love  to  Pythias,  who  once  saved 
the  life  of  my  only  son  in  battle." 

"  May  the  gods,  in  their  mercy,  bless  you  I  " 
"  I  am  blessed  by  your  gratitude.     I  ask  no  more." 
"  How  can  you  save  him?  " 

"  By  helping  him  to  fly  with  you  from  Syracuse." 
"  Can  you  release  him  first  from  the   serpent's 
coils?     From  the  power  of  Dionysius?  " 

"  Yes.     If  you  both  will  obey  my  directions." 
"  Oh,  we  shall  obey  you,  sir.     Do  not  fear  for 
that.     And  to  our  death-day  we  shall  pray  the  gods 
to  shower  rich  blessings  on  the  head  of  Creugas,  our 
rescuer,  our  hero,  our  preserver." 

"  Then  come  with  me  at  once  to  Pythias," 
"  But  he  is  in  prison.     How  can  we  — ?  " 
The  old  man  thrust  from  his  cloak  a  skinny  hand, 
clothed  and  distorted.     On  one  of  its  fingers  blazed 
a  strangely  carved  ring. 

"  The  tyrant's,"  he  explained  briefly.  "  His 
signet  ring.  Before  it,  all  doors  must  open.  He 
laid  it  aside  as  he  entered  the  baths  but  now.  I  was 
in  attendance  on  him.  Come." 

Side  by  side  they  girdled  the  gateway  square  and 


JHE  UNKNOWN  229 

passed  down  a  tortuous  and  ill-smelling  alley.  At 
the  alley's  farther  end  they  came  out  upon  the  agora, 
or  market  place,  the  vast  area  at  whose  farthest  cor- 
ner loomed  the  dirty  brownish  mass  of  stone  that  was 
the  city  prison. 

Midway  of  the  agora, —  still  crowded  on  this  day, 
despite  the  heat  of  the  hour  —  they  were  confronted 
by  a  dazzlingly  clad  young  officer  of  the  newly  ar- 
rived regiment  encamped  upon  the  Epipolae  to  the 
north.  The  officer,  seeing  a  gloriously  beautiful  girl 
accompanied  only  by  an  old  man  shabbily  attired, 
made  his  way  forward  through  the  press  and  stood 
smiling  down  on  Calanthe. 

"  Will  Venus  not  pause  to  brighten  the  day  for 
Mars?"  he  begged,  laying  his  hand  caressingly  on 
the  shrinking  girl's  shoulder.  "  The  sky  is  aflame 
from  the  sun's  kisses,  and  my  heart  too  is  ablaze. 
Does  love  find  no  place  in  your  dear  eyes?  " 

As  he  spoke  he  uncermoniously  thrust  aside  the 
old  freedman. 

"  Oh,  let  us  pass,  sir!  "  begged  the  terrified  Ca- 
lanthe. "  We  — " 

"  Your  old  scarecrow  of  an  escort  may  pass,  by  all 
means,  to  the  gutter  where  he  belongs,"  laughed  the 
officer.  "  But  you  will  pause,  I  know  to  — n 

"  Friend,"  quietly  interposed  Creugas,  "  you  seem 
to  have  traveled  far.  Have  you?  " 

"  Yes,"  said  the  officer,  with  marked  change  of 
manner,  as  he  glanced  at  the  old  man. 


230  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

"In  the  East?"  asked  Creugas,  with  an  imper- 
ceptible gesture. 

The  officer,  saluting  stiffly,  stood  aside  for  the 
freedman  and  Calanthe  to  pass. 


CHAPTER  XX 

THE    PRISONER 

THE  grilled  steel  portcullis  leading  from  the 
roadway  into  the  prison  yard  next  halted  the 
two.     With  his  open  hand,  Creugas  smote 
on  the  portal.     A  drowsy  turnkey  hobbled  into  sight. 

Beholding  merely  an  ill-dressed  old  man  and  a 
veiled  woman  (for  Calanthe,  warned  by  her  meeting 
with  the  officer,  had  drawn  her  veil  across  her  face) , 
he  was  turning  away  again  with  a  growl  of  disgust 
at  having  been  disturbed  at  his  nap,  when  Creugas 
sharply  hailed  him. 

Creugas  had  thrust  his  lean  arm  through  the  grill. 
A  bar  of  sunlight  fell  athwart  the  monarch's  signet 
ring  he  wore. 

The  turnkey  hobbled  nearer,  blinked  owlishly  at 
the  ring,  then  scuttled  off,  returning  presently  with 
the  captain  of  the  guard.  At  a  word  from  the  cap- 
tain, the  portcullis  was  raised,  and  Creugas  and  Ca- 
lanthe entered  under  the  gloomy  stone  arch. 

Creugas  stepped  to  one  side  with  the  captain.  For 
a  moment,  the  two  men  conferred  in  low  tones. 
Then  Creugas  rejoined  the  waiting  girl. 

"  Come,"  he  said. 

231 


232  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

Following  the  captain,  they  made  their  way  across 
the  courtyard,  through  a  narrow  and  low-vaulted  cor- 
ridor through  an  iron  door  out  into  a  stone  terrace. 
The  door  clanged  shut  behind  them. 

The  terrace  was  wide  and  was  worn  by  the  tramp- 
ing of  many  feet.  On  its  farther  side  it  was  bounded 
by  an  eighteen-inch  stone  wall;  a  walk  which  over- 
looked a  sheer  drop  of  two  hundred  feet  to  the  rocky 
seashore  below. 

On  the  other  side  of  the  terrace  was  a  line  of 
barred  cell  doors.  Toward  one  of  these  doors  the 
officer  pointed,  handing  Creugas  a  huge  key.  He 
himself  withdrew  through  the  corridor  opening,  clos- 
ing its  door  behind  him. 

"  Sit  yonder,"  Creugas  bade  Calanthe,  pointing 
to  a  stone  seat  against  the  prison  wall.  "  Sit  yon- 
der. And  when  I  beckon,  come." 

From  the  moment  the  officer  had  indicated  one  of 
the  barred  doors  to  Creugas,  Calanthe  had  been  un- 
able to  keep  her  eyes  off  that  one  oblong  of  rusty 
iron. 

Creugas,  seemingly  reading  her  thoughts,  had  held 
her  back  by  turning  his  skinny  fingers  in  a  fold  of 
her  robe.  Now,  as  he  released  her  and  indicated 
the  stone  seat,  she  half  turned  toward  the  cell  door 
instead. 

"  Remember,"  he  warned  her,  as  tenderly  as  a 
fond  father  might  chide  a  willful  babe,  "  remember 
your  promise  to  obey  me,  maiden." 


THE  PRISONER  233 

With  a  quivering  sigh  she  bowed  her  head  and 
walked  obediently  to  the  stone  seat. 

Here,  such  prisoners  as  by  special  favor  were  al- 
lowed a  few  minutes  of  daily  exercise  on  the  terrace, 
were  wont  to  sit  and  rest,  when  the  brief  pacing  to 
and  fro  on  the  stone  flagging  had  proven  too  much 
for  their  wasted  strength. 

Here,  seated  on  the  bench  of  stone,  they  could 
look  across  the  dazzling  blue  sea  to  the  happy  Sicil- 
ian hills  that  laughed  with  their  wealth  of  vine  and 
corn  and  olive.  Here  they  could  gaze  wistfully  at 
the  free  clouds  racing  across  the  blue  sky  overhead; 
here  watch  the  sea  birds  at  play,  the  fisher  children 
shouting  gleefully  to  each  other  from  boat  to  boat; 
here,  lost  to  freedom,  see  all  that  was  most  free. 

Calanthe's  great  pansy  eyes  welled  with  tears  at 
the  thoughts,  as  she  sank  down  on  the  greasy  stone 
seat;  perhaps  the  saddest-hearted  mortal  of  all  the 
sad-hearted  who  had  sat  there.  For  the  others  were 
captive  of  body  but  free  of  heart;  while  she,  free  of 
body,  felt  her  heart  loaded  with  carking  fetters  that 
crushed  it  beneath  their  weight. 

Old  Creugas,  key  in  hand,  meatime,  had  gone  to 
the  door  of  the  cell  indicated  by  the  captain. 

"My  lord!  Pythias!"  he  called  through  the 
bars. 

"  Damon  is  returned  at  last?  "  came  the  voice  of 
Pythias  from  the  darkness  of  the  cell.  "  I  thought 
the  six  hours  were  long  since  passed.  I  have  waited 


234  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

an    eternity !     And    yet  —  I    would    he    had    not 


come." 


"  The  six  hours  have  not  yet  sped.  Nor  all  of 
one  hour  of  them,  Pythias,"  replied  Creugas.  "  I 
wonder  not  you  were  deceived  as  to  time's  flight.  I, 
too,  have  been  a  prisoner.  And  I  know  that  to  him 
who  lies  in  a  cell  every  hour  is  as  a  whole  day  whose 
hours  are  long.  But  come !  Time  is  precious." 

As  he  spoke  he  was  fitting  the  huge  key  in  the 
lock. 

"  Who  are  you,"  demanded  Pythias,  "  that  bids 
me  before  my  time?  Has  the  tyrant  relented 
and—?" 

"  Dionysius  does  not  relent.  It  is  not  his  way. 
Stand  forth!" 

Creugas,  as  he  spoke,  threw  wide  the  creaking  iron 
door.  Pythias  reeling  a  little,  moved  forward  across 
the  threshold,  shielding  his  eyes  from  the  unaccus- 
tomed glare  by  means  of  his  upraised  arm." 

"Where  are  you  leading  me?"  he  queried,  daz- 
edly. "  Since  Damon  is  not  returned  and  since 
Dionysius  does  not  relent.  Why  do  you  — ?  " 

"  I  am  come  to  lead  you  to  liberty." 

;' Who  are  you?"  queried  Pythias,  wonderingly 
surveying  the  ugly  old  man  in  his  shabby  woolen 
clothes.  "  Who  are  you  that  can  set  me  free?  " 

"  A  servant  of  Dionysius.  I  dwell  beneath  the 
tyrant's  roof.  By  chance,  a  half  hour  since,  I  learned 
the  secret  of  his  plan." 


THE  PRISONER  235 

"  His  plan?  To  hold  me  as  hostage  for  my 
friend?  'Twas  not  his  plan  but  mine." 

"  No.     His  plan  against  your  life." 

"My  life?" 

"  Your  life." 

"  You  croak  like  a  raven!  "  declared  Pythias  im- 
patiently. "  He  dare  not  plan  against  my  life.  He 
has  publicly  sworn  to  free  me  on  Damon's  return. 
A  hostage  may  not  be  slain,  unless  the  pledge  be 
broken,  whereon  he  is  held.  When  Damon  comes 
I  shall  be  free.  Dionysius  is  a  warrior.  He  will 
not  break  warfare's  rules  that  govern  the  treatment 
of  a  hostage." 

"  He  will  not  break  them,"  agreed  Creugas. 
"  You  are  right.  Even  Dionysius  dare  not  break 
such  a  law.  'Twould  wreck  him  with  the  army." 

"  Yet  you  say  he  plots  my  life." 

"  It  is  so." 

"  But  how?     When  Damon  shall  return  — " 

"  Damon  will  not  return." 

"  You  lie !  Lucky  it  is  that  age  and  disease  have 
scarred  your  face  and  form  and  that  you  are  of  ple- 
beian rank.  Else  bare-handed  I  would  cram  the 
vile  lie  down  your  throat." 

"  Damon,"  repeated  Creugas,  flinching  not  before 
the  advance  of  the  indignant  warrior,  "  will  not  re- 
turn." 

"  By  Castor!  You  presume  upon  your  age  and 
weakness!  I — " 


236  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

"  Damon  will  not  return,  because  a  dozen  of  the 
tyrant's  men  even  now  lie  in  wait  to  slay  him." 

"  Almighty  gods  of  high  Olympus !  What  are 
you  saying?  " 

"  You  have  known  Dionysius.  You  have  known 
him  long  and  well.  Does  this  deed  of  his  seem  so 
strange  to  you,  Pythias?  " 

"  I  had  not  thought  that  mortal  man  could  — " 

"  Pythias,  you  are  a  warrior,  not  a  thinker.  I 
wonder  not  that  this  surprises  you.  Yet  Damon 
might  have  thought,  had  not  his  brain  been  so  filled 
with—  " 

"  Quick!  "  ordered  Pythias.  "  The  way  out!  I 
must  go!  " 

"Go?  Many  a  prisoner  has  hoped  that.  But 
whither?  " 

"  To  mount  my  fleetest  horse !  To  ride  after 
Damon.  To  warn  him  of  his  peril  or  to  share  it 
with  him !  To  die,  if  need  be,  sword  in  hand,  at  his 
side." 

"But—" 

"He  is  my  friend!" 

"  He  is  leagues  away  by  now  and  riding  fast.  A 
bird  could  not  overtake  him.  Moreover,  how 
would  you  go?  Yonder  lies  the  sea,  two  hundred 
feet  below.  On  the  other  side  is  the  prison  wall." 

"  Oh,  my  friend !  My  friend !  "  groaned  Pythias. 
"  And  in  his  hour  of  mortal  peril  I  stand  helpless. 
I  who  would  blithely  die  for  him.  I  see  it  all, — 


THE  PRISONER  237 

too  late!  Dionysius  hates  us  both.  By  this  foul 
trick  he  rids  himself  of  us." 

"  No,"  contradicted  Creugas.  "  Not  of  both  of 
you.  Of  Damon  alone." 

"  What  does  life  hold  for  me  when  my  friend  lies 
slain?" 

"  It  holds  what  all  men  seek  and  what  you  have 
won:  Love!  " 

"Calanthe!" 

"  I  come  to  save  you.  To  give  you  freedom  — 
and  your  bride." 

"  Is  this  a  trick,  too?" 

"  I  blame  you  not,"  said  Creugas,  sorrowfully, 
"  that  in  your  black  hour  you  would  smite  aside  even 
the  hand  stretched  out  to  save  you." 

"Speak  out!     I—" 

"  I  owe  you  much.  I  hate  the  usurper  king.  I 
wish  to  serve  you.  I  wish  to  thwart  him.  So  I  am 
here.  Here  to  set  you  free.  Calanthe  shall  share 
your  flight.  Your  aged  father — " 

"My  father!" 

"  He  shall  join  you.  I  have  arranged  it  all.  In 
Syracuse  harbor  lies  a  ship  that  will  set  sail  at  word 
from  me;  at  the  captain's  first  glimpse  of  the  ring 
I  wear." 

u  T         n 

"  You  doubt  me?  Turn  and  look!  There  is  my 
proof." 

As  Creugas  spoke,  he  beckoned.     Pythias,  half 


238  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

suspecting  a  new  ruse  of  the  tyrant's,  turned  sharply 
about.  Down  the  wind-swept  terrace  toward  him, 
shining  like  a  goddess  in  the  sunlight,  Calanthe  was 
advancing. 

"  Calanthe !  "    gasped    Pythias.     "  Jove    above ! 
Calanthe  I"- 


CHAPTER  XXI 

TEMPTATION 

HE  sprang  to  meet  her.  But  as  he  reached 
her  the  girl  stepped  back.  A  fugitive 
memory  had  come  to  her  of  their  last 
meeting. 

"  Pythias,"  she  said  brokenly.  "  You  shrank 
from  me  as  though  I  were  unworthy.  Only  this 
very  day  you  spurned  me  for  a  mere  friend's  sake. 
You  forswore  love  and  me  for  Damon  and  friend- 
ship. How  can  I  trust  such  love  as  yours?  " 

"  How  can  you  trust  it?  "  he  cried  eagerly.  "  As 
you  can  trust  the  high  gods,  as  you  can  trust  the 
golden  sun  and  the  tides.  I  love  you !  With  the 
heart,  the  soul,  the  body  I  have  kept  clean  for  your 
sake,  I  love  you.  Above  all  life  and  heaven  I  love 
you.  Above  all  —  save  honor.  And  for  honor's 
sake  I  gave  myself  as  pledge  for  my  friend.  My 
love  for  you  shall  not  be  less,  Beloved,  because  my 
love  for  honor  was  greater." 

"  Let  us  forget  everything,  then,  except  this  won- 
drous love  of  ours,  my  Pythias.  Love  waits  for  us. 
Love  and  —  Freedom !  " 

Pythias  caught  her  in  his  arms ;  crushing  her  close 
239 


240  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

against  his  broad  breast;  showering  kisses  on  her 
lips,  her  eyes,  her  fragrant  hair. 

Then,  as  though  parting  from  all  that  life  held 
dear,  he  put  her  from  him.  Long  and  earnestly  he 
looked  upon  the  glory  of  sea  and  land  and  sky.  And 
again  his  eyes  rested  adoringly  on  Calanthe.  But 
there  was  no  hope  in  their  worshiping  gaze;  there 
was  naught  save  the  light  of  a  great  renuncia- 
tion. 

"  It  has  been  good,"  he  said  simply.  "  It  has 
been  good  to  hold  you  once  more  in  my  arms.  It 
will  make  death  sweeter." 

"  Death!  "  echoed  the  girl,  wonderingly.  "  Why, 
dear  one,  there  is  no  talk  of  death.  You  are  free." 

"  No." 

"  But,  Pythias,  surely  Creugas  explained  to 
you—" 

"  That  Damon  will  not  return.  Thus  my  pledge 
is  forfeit.  I  must  die,  as  I  agreed,  in  his  place." 

"  You  are  a  madman !  "  exclaimed  Creugas. 

"  Perhaps.  Dionysius  spared  the  life  of  Damon 
for  six  hours  on  the  security  that  I  would  remain 
imprisoned  in  his  place  until  his  return,  and  that 
if  he  should  not  return,  I  should  die.  I  gave  the 
pledge.  It  is  forfeit,  and  my  life  with  it." 

"  But  Dionysius  has  broken  faith  with  you !  "  pro- 
tested Creugas. 

"  Then  would  you  have  me  sink  to  his  level  by 
breaking  faith  with  him?" 


TEMPTATION  241 

*  Think  of  me,  Pythias,"  besought  Calanthe. 
1  Think  of  me !  Is  my  love  nothing?  " 

"  It  is  earth  and  heaven!  " 

"  And  is  it  nothing  that  my  heart  must  break  for 
you?" 

"  It  is  the  bitterest  drop  in  my  death  cup.  I  would 
eagerly  die  ten  thousand  times  if  I  might  save  you 
grief." 

"  Pythias,  this  monster,  Dionysius,  has  broken 
faith  with  you.  You  owe  him  nothing." 

"  I  owe  my  honor  everything." 

"  He  has  cheated  you  !  " 

"  So  this  man  says.  It  may  be  true.  It  may  not. 
A  thousand  things  may  prove  true  or  false.  But 
my  honor  must  stand  true.  Suppose  this  man  lies? 
Suppose,  at  the  appointed  hour,  Damon  should  re- 
turn —  as  return  he  will,  if  one  breath  of  life  be  left 
in  his  body  —  suppose  he  return  to  keep  his  pledge? 
Return  and  find  me  faithless?  Of  his  own  wish  he 
will  come  back  to  save  me  from  death.  He  would 
come  back  to  learn  that  of  my  own  wish  I  had  proven 
faithless  and  fled;  that  I  had  chosen  happiness  in- 
stead of  honor." 

"  If  for  one  fleeting  moment  you  think  to  impress 
Dionysius  by  such  fortitude  as  yours,"  suggested 
Creugas,  "  then  once  and  forever  dismiss  that  hope. 
He  will  laugh  at  you  as  a  fool  who  might  have  won 
freedom  and  who  lacked  the  wit  to  outwit  those  who 
have  maltreated  him.  A  strange  man,  this  king  of 


242  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

ours.  Deaf  to  honor,  deaf  to  mercy,  yet  with  a 
strange  vein  of  philosophy  in  his  head.  A  vein  of 
philosophy  stolen,  perhaps,  from  the  Athenian  sages 
he  loves  to  quote." 

Pythias  was  not  listening.  Again  he  was  gazing 
deep  into  Calanthe's  eyes  as  though  to  carry  the 
memory  of  their  loveliness  with  him  into  the  next 
world.  Creugas  maundered  on : 

'  Why,  but  last  night  when  oily  Damocles  supped 
with  him  and  fell  to  praising  his  greatness,  what  does 
Dionysius  do,  of  a  sudden,  but  point  upward  —  so ! 
And  Damocles  looks  up  to  see  hanging  above  his 
head  his  own  keen  edged  sword,  suspended  by  a  hair ! 
My  faith!  he  rolls  from  his  banqueting  couch  and 
scrambles  across  the  room  as  though  all  hell  were 
in  pursuit.  4  See!  '  prates  Dionysius,  after  the  fash- 
ion of  Athenian  philosophers.  *  See  how  all  great- 
ness and  safety  and  life  itself  hang  on  a  single  hair. 
When  next  you  would  fawn  upon  human  greatness, 
remember  the  Sword  of  Damocles !  ' 

"  Pythias !  "  Calanthe  was  whispering.  "  Once 
more,  for  my  sake,  fly!  The  opportunity  may  not 
come  again." 

"  Here  I  abide,"  firmly  responded  Pythias,  "  and 
when  Damon  returns  —  if  return  he  may  — " 

"  He  will  not  return  I  "  interposed  Creugas.  "  By 
now  the  assassins  are  at  his  throat.  There  is  noth- 
ing left  for  you  to  await  here.  Look!  "  he  broke 
off,  pointing  seaward. 


TEMPTATION  243 

Across  the  harbor  a  galley  had  moved  from  the 
farther  shore.  Now  she  came  to  anchor  barely  a 
furlong  away  from  the  terrace. 

Her  colored  sails  were  half  raised.  Men 
crouched  ready  to  run  them  up  the  polished  mast 
at  a  single  word  of  command.  The  slaves  bent  over 
the  long,  burnished  oars,  holding  them  above  water, 
ready  to  catch  water  at  the  same  word. 

Like  a  beautiful  bird,  ready  and  poised  for  flight, 
lay  the  galley  on  the  glittering  summer  sea,  a  sight 
to  thrill  a  traveler's  soul. 

From  the  vessel's  side  a  small  boat  was  putting 
forth,  propelled  hy  half-nude  blacks,  toward  the 
watching  group  on  the  terrace. 

"Look!"  repeated  Creugas.  "Yonder  lies  the 
ship  that  waits  to  bear  you  and  your  dear  ones  to 
freedom.  Her  boat  is  even  now  coming  hither  to 
fetch  you  away  from  this  place  of  living  death.  At 
my  orders,  backed  by  this  signet  ring,  all  these  things 
have  been  done.  All  these  and  more.  A  rope  lad- 
der hangs  from  the  coping  of  the  wall  behind  you. 
Come—" 

"Pythias!"  cried  the  girl.  "Come  with  us! 
Come!  It  is  Liberty!  Liberty  and  love!  " 

"  It  is  dishonor,"  Pythias  made  reply,  white  to 
the  lips  with  the  battle  against  his  heart. 

"  It  is  Happiness!  " 

"No!     It  is  disgrace!" 

"  Pythias,"  urged  Creugas,  "  your  father  is  old 


244  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

and  weak.  He  will  die  of  grief  at  tidings  of  your 
death." 

"  He  would  die  of  shame  at  tidings  of  my  shame." 

"  The  boat !  "  sobbed  Calanthe.  "  See,  it  is  draw- 
ing near.  So  near!  Would  you  break  my  heart?  " 

"  You  will  remember  me  as  the  lover  who  loved 
you  too  well  to  ruin  his  honor  for  your  sake." 

"  Pythias,"  again  broke  in  Creugas,  his  old  voice 
vibrant  with  tenseness;  the  sweat  pouring  down  his 
disfigured  face.  "  Pythias,  I  have  risked  my  life  to 
save  you.  If  we  three  do  not  make  our  escape,  and 
make  it  with  all  speed,  I  am  a  dead  man.  Dionysius 
knows  horribly  well  how  to  punish.  I  have  risked 
all  for  you." 

"  If  all  the  world  risked  everything  to  lure  me 
from  honor  my  answer  would  be  the  same.  Go,  if 
you  are  in  peril,  man.  Though  by  your  own  show- 
ing, you  have  merited  death  by  betraying  your  mas- 
ter who  trusts  you  and  deems  you  his  friend.  The 
seeming  friend  of  to-day  may  be  the  enemy  of  to- 
morrow. Go  or  stay.  I  have  given  you  my  an- 


swer." 


;t  Pythias,"  pleaded  Calanthe.  "Hark!  Do 
you  hear  the  oars?  They  are  below  us,  just  below. 
Their  plash  is  a  song  of  freedom,  of  joy,  of  love,  of 
a  golden  future  for  us  both." 

"  Of  a  black  future  built  on  blacker  dishonor. 
No!  Oh,  Calanthe,  my  own,  why  make  me  taste 


TEMPTATION  245 

the  bitterness  of  death  before  my  hour?  I  cannot 
go,  I  will  not  go !  " 

"  Pythias — "  began  Creugas. 

"Enough!" 

"  No.  One  word  more.  A  word  that  must  be 
spoken,"  insisted  Creugas.  "  Yet  a  word  I  would 
fain  have  left  unsaid.  Dionysius  has  looked  over- 
closely  at  Calanthe.  You  know  how  a  fair  face  at- 
tracts him  and  to  what  lengths  he  will  go  to  win 
what  he  desires.  The  tyrant's  eyes  have  followed 
your  love.  LThe  tyrant's  longing  has  compassed 
her  about." 

"  Peace !  " 

4  When  you  are  no  longer  alive  to  protect  her  — 
when  by  your  mad  folly  you  leave  her  defenseless  in 
his  hands — " 

"  Pythias,"  shuddered  the  girl.  "  He  speaks 
truth.  It  is  not  alone  yourself  you  will  be  saving. 
It  will  be  I  as  well.  Save  me !  " 

The  face  of  Pythias  was  ghastly.  His  lips  were 
invisible  from  fierce  pressure,  his  mouth  was  a  hard- 
set  line,  his  eyes  were  ablaze. 

His  mighty  body  trembled  as  with  an  ague.  His 
nails  bit  deep  into  the  palms  of  his  clenched  hands, 
bit  so  deep  that  trickles  of  blood  oozed  out  and 
flecked  his  whitened  finger  joints.  He  was  in  mortal 
anguish,  in  a  travail  of  soul  that  shook  him  like  an 
aspen. 


246  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

Creugas  stood  aside.  His  work  was  done.  He 
had  played  his  last  and  strongest  card. 

Calanthe  threw  her  soft  white  arms  about  her 
lover's  muscular  throat  and  buried  her  face  in  his 
breast. 

"You  must  save  me!"  she  wailed.  "  You  can- 
not leave  me  to  such  a  fate!  Come!  If  not  for 
your  own  sake,  then  for  the  sake  of  the  woman  you 
would  vow  to  protect  and  to  cherish.  My  sweet- 
heart, save  me !  " 

A  groan  that  seemed  to  tear  spirit  and  body  asun- 
der burst  from  the  white  lips  of  Pythias. 

"  May  all  the  gods  protect  you,  my  loved  one !  " 
he  panted.  "If  the  vile  tyrant  lay  so  much  as  one 
finger  on  your  dear  head,  I  swear  I  shall  rend  my 
grave  clothes  and  the  earth  that  covers  me,  and  come 
back  from  the  tomb  to  destroy  him." 

"  No,  no !  It  is  in  life  you  must  succor  me ! 
Come !  The  boat  lies  waiting!  " 

"  No !  Here  honor  and  I  are  waiting.  For  the 
end!"- 

"Pythias!"  she  wept.     "My  lover,   Pythias!" 

He  broke  from  the  sweet  prison  of  her  detaining 
arms  and  rushed  back  to  his  cell,  clanging  its  iron 
door  shut  behind  him.  Calanthe  took  a  wavering 
step  toward  the  cell,  then  sank  in  a  deathlike  swoon 
at  the  feet  of  Creugas. 


CHAPTER  XXII 

"  CAUTION!  " 

DAMON,  meantime,  did  not  slacken  rein  un- 
til he  had  left  the  city  far  behind  him  and 
had  breasted  the  slope  of  the  hills  whereon 
stood  his  white  villa. 

Through  the  plain  and  through  the  strip  of  wood- 
land at  the  mountain-foot  he  galloped,  Lucullus  still 
running  at  his  stirrup  leather,  the  slave's  tireless 
wiry  strength  easily  holding  out  in  spite  of  the  fear- 
ful pace. 

So  had  the  Scythian  foot  soldiers  for  centuries 
been  wont  to  run  at  the  side  of  the  cavalry;  unweary- 
ing, no  matter  what  the  pace  or  how  long  the  jour- 
ney; and  helped  along  by  their  grip  on  the  stirrup. 

The  blazing  noonday  heat  poured  down  on  Da- 
mon's unsheltered  head,  his  prematurely  grizzled  hair 
shining  like  soft  silver  in  the  pitiless  glare.  He 
heeded  not  the  fierce  heat,  nor  his  sweating  horse's 
gallant  efforts. 

His  eyes  were  fixed  on  the  far-off  hillside  villa, 
the  villa  to  which  each  stride  of  his  horse  brought 
him  nearer;  the  villa  that  held  all  he  loved  most  on 
earth;  the  wife  of  his  heart,  the  child  of  his  hopes. 

247 


248  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

By  set  of  sun  he  would  have  passed  forever  from 
them.  And  he  yearned  unspeakably  for  the  brief 
hour  he  might  yet  spend  in  the  sunshine  of  their  love. 

The  moment's  delay  he  had  suffered  through  Ca- 
lanthe  he  had  grudged  as  a  man  dying  of  thirst  might 
grudge  a  spilled  portion  of  his  last  cup  of  water. 

He  was  doing  all  in  his  power  to  atone  for  that 
delay  by  riding  his  horse  with  unsparing  speed.  And 
nobly  did  the  splendid  gray  respond  to  the  urging  of 
spur  and  of  voice.  He  seemed,  by  instinct,  to  know 
his  master's  gnawing  desire;  and  with  every  atom 
of  his  peerless  strength  he  sought  to  grant  that  de- 
sire. 

Through  the  woodland  road  at  the  hill-foot  raced 
the  gallant  gray.  Scare  did  he  slacken  speed  as  he 
breasted  the  steep  rise  of  the  hill.  His  nostrils  were 
red  and  his  eyes  suffused.  Yet  he  held  to  his  task. 

The  slave,  by  this  time,  was  beginning  to  pant 
from  fatigue  and  to  stagger  in  his  run.  Damon 
alone  of  that  speeding  trio  was  unaware  of  the  wild 
pace  at  which  they  were  traveling.  To  him,  the 
gray  flying  feet  crawled  at  a  snail's  pace,  so  far  did 
his  own  yearning  outstrip  the  matchless  horse's 
flight. 

At  last,  after  what  Damon  fancied  were  centuries 
of  wasted  time,  the  plateau  on  the  hillside  was 
reached.  And,  presently  —  foam  flecked,  bathed  in 
sweat,  his  mottled  sides  heaving  —  the  grand  horse 


"  CAUTION !  "  249 

dropped  from  a  run  to  a  walk  and  stood  at  his  mas- 
ter's door. 

Damon  sprang  to  earth,  shouted  a  direction  to  the 
weaned  slave  to  care  for  the  horse  and  to  have  him 
ready  at  the  courtyard  door  in  an  hour's  time,  then 
dashed  through  the  marble  gateway. 

Xextus  was  playing  in  the  sunken  garden  below 
the  house;  his  tiny  helmet  and  sword  girded  on,  he 
was  vehemently  marshaling  an  army  of  scarlet  pop- 
pies to  an  advance  against  some  unseen  invader. 

Hermion  was  nowhere  in  sight  A  question  to  a 
passing  maidservant  brought  news  that  the  mistress 
of  the  house  was  in  the  forest  beyond  the  lawns, 
gathering  myrtle  for  votive  wreaths.  Damon  sent 
the  maid  running  to  fetch  Hermion  with  all  speed. 
Then  he  descended  into  the  sunken  garden. 

Xextus,  turning  at  sound  of  his  father's  step,  caught 
sight  of  the  approaching  figure  and  with  a  shout  of 
delight,  ran  to  meet  him. 

"  Father !  Father !  "  he  hailed,  flinging  his  sturdy 
little  arms  about  his  sire's  knees.  "  You  are  at  home 
again !  We  did  not  look  for  you.  Oh,  you  have 
come  back  to  play  with  me !  See,  you  shall  help  me 
mass  my  army.  You  —  you  shall  be  general,"  he 
added  in  a  burst  of  generosity,  "  and  I  will  be  your 
angelos  or  else  your  second-in-command!  " 

Damon,  his  throat  contracting,  picked  up  the  mar- 
tial boy  and  crushed  the  tiny  fellow  to  his  heart  with 


250  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

such  convulsive  force  that  had  not  Xextus  been  a 
stoic  warrior  he  would  have  cried  out  with  pain. 

"  Oh,  my  little  boy!"  murmured  Damon,  brok- 
enly, "  my  little,  little  boy!  " 

Xextus  looked  up  in  sudden  concern  into  the  hag- 
gard, drawn  face  so  close  to  his  own. 

"Why,  father!"  he  exclaimed,  "you  are  sick. 
Or  are  you  wounded  ?  Tell  me !  " 

"  No,"  denied  Damon,  regaining  Spartan  control 
of  himself  by  mighty  effort.  "  No !  But  my  time 
is  short.  I  have  but  an  hour  here  with  you  two  who 
are  so  dear  to  me.  Then  I  must  go  back." 

"To  work?" 

"  No.     To  rest." 

"But  only  one  hour?  It  is  not  fair.  Mother 
will  be  unhappy  again." 

"  Then  her  boy  must  comfort  her.  She  will  need 
all  your  comfort,  my  little  Xextus.  Remember  that. 
And  remember  I  leave  her  to  your  love  and  your 
care.  As  you  grow  up,  think  always  of  that ;  no  mat- 
ter what  may  happen.  Your  place  is  at  her  side; 
to  be  her  soldier,  her  comforter.  You  will  remem- 
ber?" 

"  Yes.     Why,  yes.     But  you  will  be  here,  too." 

"  If  I  am  not,  you  must  still  remember.  If  she 
had  only  you — " 

"  But  you  must  be  here,  my  father !  You  must. 
There  would  be  no  fun  without  you." 

"  My  soldier-boy,  the  day  has  come  when  other 


"CAUTION!"  251 

things  than  fun  must  claim  you.     You  must  be  the 
staff  and  consoler  of  your  mother  when  I  am  gone." 

"  Gone  ?    Where  ?    Oh,—  I  —  I  —  am  afraid !  " 

"  A  soldier  must  slay  fear.    You  will  slay  it?    And 
selfishness,  too?     And  all  thoughts  save  those  of^ 
your  mother,  my  Xextus?  " 

"I  —  I  will  try,  sir.  But  how  strangely  you 
talk!  And  how  pale  you  are!  Where  are  you  go- 
ing and  why  must  you  go?  " 

"  I  am  going  on  a  long  journey,  little  son  of  mine. 
A  long  journey.  I  am  come  here  to  say  good-by  to 
you  and  to  your  mother." 

"  But  why?  "  asked  Xextus.  "  Why  do  you  go? 
Why  do  you  want  to  leave  us?  " 

"  I  do  not  want  to.     I  would  give  my  all  to  stay." 

"  Then  why  do  you  go?  Who  sends  you  on  this 
journey?  " 

"  The  high  gods." 

"The  gods?"  repeated  the  child  in  reverence. 
"  Then  —  then,  I  suppose  you  must  go.  Mother 
says  we  must  always  obey  the  gods.  She  has  gone 
to  weave  a  myrtle  garland  to  lay  at  our  shrine  for 
your  safe  home  coming.  But  —  but  why  can't  the 
gods  send  some  one  else?  Some  one  who  hasn't  a 
little  son  to  miss  him.  Couldn't  they?  If  I  prayed 
very,  very  hard  to  them?  " 

Damon's  thoughts  flashed  back  unbidden  to  a  dun- 
geon opening  on  a  prison  terrace,  where  even  now 
awaited  "  some  one  "  whom  the  gods  stood  ready 


252  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

to  send  on  the  journey  in  his  place.  And  his  keen 
eyes  grew  misty  at  the  vision. 

The  light  sound  of  a  woman's  running  feet  and  the 
swish  of  a  woman's  drapery  came  to  the  ears  of  both; 
breaking  in  on  the  strange  scene. 

"  Go,"  he  said  gently.  "  Go  back  to  your  play, 
my  lad.  Your  mother  is  returning  and  she  and  I 
have  much  to  say.  The  time  grows  short." 


CHAPTER  XXIII 

HUSBAND   AND   WIFE 

HERMION  appeared  at  the  head  of  the 
white  stairway  that  led  from  the  house 
down  to  the  sunken  garden. 

"  Damon!  "  she  called  in  glad  wecome. 

Ere  she  could  descend  to  him,  her  husband  ran 
lightly  up  the  steps  to  where  she  stood  and  caught 
her  in  his  arms.  The  boy  stood  hesitating  where 
his  father  had  left  him. 

"  Damon !  "  cried  Hermion,  an  almost  hysterical 
rapture  in  her  sweet  voice.  u  Oh,  my  husband,  what 
a  joyous  surprise!  I  could  scarce  believe  the  news 
that  you  had  returned.  Hour  after  hour  I  have 
strained  my  eyes  following  every  moving  speck  that 
journeys  hitherward  from  the  city;  each  time  pray- 
ing the  gods  it  might  be  you.  And  when  at  last  you 
came  I  was  not  on  the  housetop  watching  for  you. 
The  world  is  worth  living  in  again  now  that  you  are 
back." 

"  Are  you  so  unhappy,  then,  when  I  am  absent?  " 
he  faltered. 

"Unhappy?  I  do  not  live.  I  only  wait.  Oh, 
my  own  husband,  if  I  should  tell  you  how  I  fear  and 

253 


254  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

how  desolate  and  sad  I  am  when  you  are  down  in 
that  distant  city,  away  from  me, —  oh,  if  I  could 
make  you  understand  all  your  presence  means  to 
me  and  how  your  every  absence  blots  out  my  sun, 
you  would  never  again  have  the  heart  to  leave 


me." 


1  To  leave  you !  "  murmured  Damon  under  his 
breath.  "  Pitying  gods,  give  me  strength!  " 

Hermion  did  not  note  his  sudden  agitation.  Her 
eyes  had  fallen  on  Xextus,  still  standing  at  the  foot 
of  the  steps. 

"  Go  and  weave  a  garland  for  your  father!  "  she 
called  to  him  gayly.  u  The  fairest  garland  that  ever 
you  wove  —  to  welcome  him  home  to  us  again." 

The  boy  turned  and  went  upon  his  mission.  Her- 
mion noted  the  unwonted  lagging  of  Xextus'  feet 
and  the  sorrowful  droop  of  his  head;  and  she  won- 
dered at  his  lack  of  wild  spirits  over  his  adored 
father's  return. 

Hoping  that  Damon  had  not  observed  and  been 
hurt  by  the  child's  dearth  of  eagerness  in  the  home- 
coming, she  glanced  from  the  departing  Xextus  to 
her  husband.  So  suddenly  did  her  eyes  meet  Da- 
mon's that  he  had  not  time  to  mask  the  hopeless 
misery  in  his  gaze. 

"  What  is  it?  "  she  asked  in  quick  alarm.  "  Are 
you  ill?  The  sun,  the  long  ride — " 

"  Hermion,"  he  interposed,  his  voice  wondrous 
gentle,  yet  his  words  such  as  never  before  the  calmly 


HUSBAND  AND  WIFE  255 

self-contained  man  had  spoken  to  her.  "  Hermion, 
my  wife,  have  I,  in  our  married  life,  ever  willingly 
made  you  suffer?  Have  ever  I  wounded  you  with 
hasty  word  or  angry  glance  ?  " 

"You?"  she  cried.  "Never  in  all  my  life! 
How  strangely  you  speak !  What  put  such  thoughts 
in  your  mind?  " 

u  Have  my  thoughts  strayed  from  you?  Have  I, 
save  for  urgent  business  of  state,  ever  remained  an 
hour  from  your  side?  Have  I  put  aught  before 
your  happiness?  " 

"  No.  No !  You  know  you  have  not.  My 
true,  gentle  husband,  you  have  been  all  the  world  to 
me !  You  have  made  my  life  an  endless  joy.  You 
have  — " 

"  Be  that  my  epitaph !  It  is  good  to  have  heard 
such  words  from  you,  my  glorious  wife.  They  will 
be  graven  on  my  heart  forevermore." 

"  What  are  you  hiding  from  me  ?  "  she  demanded, 
womanly  intuition  warning  her  even  more  sharply 
than  did  his  words.  "  Why  speak  you  of  *  epitaphs  ' 
and—?" 

"  When  I  am  dead  you  will  remember  with  com- 
fort the  praise  you  have  just  lavished  on  me." 

"  When  you  are  dead?  Oh,  I  cannot  understand 
you,  Damon !  It  is  not  like  you  to  speak  so.  Why 
do  you  talk  of  death?  You  are  ghastly  pale  and 
your  eyes  are  dark  with  pain.  Are  you  ill?  Or 
does  something  cause  you  secret  grief?  Some  new 


256  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

sorrow,  it  must  be.  For  in  all  your  brooding  over 
the  ill-fate  of  Syracuse  you  were  never  like  this. 
Speak!  Tell  me!  Oh,  how  politics  and  the  wars 
and  the  city's  corruption  have  wrecked  our  home 
peace!  Tell  me,  I  implore  you!  I  am  your  wife; 
the  partner  of  your  grief.  Not  your  plaything,  to 
share  naught  but  your  idle  joys.  I  must  know.  I 
must  help.  A  wife  can  always  help!  " 

"  Hermion,"  he  said  haltingly,  "  suppose  I  were 
to  tell  you  the  heaviest  news  your  mind  could  im- 
agine,— could  you  bear  it?" 

"  Bear  it?  I  could  laugh  right  blithely  at  it  if  it 
did  not  touch  your  life  or  our  love.  Those  two 
are  all  that  can  matter  to  me.  They  are  my  world : 
—  your  life  and  the  love  the  high  gods  have  given 
to  us  twain.  What  are  your  black  tidings,  dear 
heart?  Dionysius  has  undermined  your  hopes  and 
risen  to  power?  " 

"  Yes.     And  to  the  throne.     But  that  is  not  my 


news." 


"  The  Carthaginians  march  on  the  city  again?  " 
"  No.     For  the  moment  they  crouch  in  their  ken- 
nels and  lick  their  sore  wounds." 

"  I  can  think  of  but  one  other  tragedy  that  could 
move  you  so.     Your  friend, —  Pythias, —  something 
is  amiss  with  him?     He  is  not  —  dead?  " 
"  No !     Praise  the  gods !     Not  dead!  " 
"  Then  the  tidings  are  of  yourself !     I  knew  it. 


HUSBAND  AND  WIFE  257 

Some  misfortune  has  befallen  you!  Some  danger 
threatens  you.  Tell  me." 

"  A  hundred  times,  my  Hermion,  I  have  told  my- 
self that  you  are  the  bravest  woman  I  have  known. 
I  have  told  myself  that  whatever  might  befall,  you 
would  bear  it  gallantly;  for  my  sake;  for  our  boy's 
sake.  That  if  death  should  be  my  portion  — " 

"Death?     Death?" 

"  Here  is  my  will,"  he  said,  handing  her  a  scroll. 
"  Let  that  break  the  news  to  you.  I  cannot  tell  you. 
I  thought  I  could.  I  cannot." 

"Death!"  she  repeated  dully.  "Death  threat- 
ens you?  From  what  evil  source?  " 

"  From  the  law's  hands." 

"  The  law?  You  who  are  the  law's  stanchest  up- 
holder in  these  troublous  days!  It  is  not  possible! 
For  what  offense?  " 

"  Dionysius  has  doomed  me  to  death." 

"Dionysius?"  she  babbled,  dazedly.  "To 
death?" 

Then  her  dooping  figure  straightened  and  a  sudden 
light  of  joy  burned  the  tear  mists  from  her  eyes. 

"  But  you  are  here !  "  she  exulted,  "you  have  es- 
caped !  Escaped  to  your  own  home ;  unguarded,  un- 
captured.  We  have  only  to  fly  —  to  Greece  —  to 
Italy  —  to  Egypt  —  anywhere !  We  shall  be  safe 
beyond  the  tyrant's  reach.  You  must  fly  at  once, 


to—" 


25 8  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

"  To  Syracuse,"  finished  Damon;  and  his  voice 
was  dead. 

11  Into  the  very  jaws  of  the  death  from  whence  you 
have  escaped?  Are  you  mad?" 

"  I  must  go  back  to  Syracuse,"  he  insisted  in  the 
same  lifeless  voice.  "  Even  now  I  would  be  lying 
dead  there  but  that  my  friend  — " 

"No!    No!" 

"  But  that  my  friend,  Pythias,  put  on  my  fetters 
and  gave  himself  up  as  hostage  for  my  return.  In 
this  way  alone  was  the  tyrant  persuaded  to  grant  me 
these  six  hours  of  grace  to  ride  hither  and  say  fare- 
well to  you  and  to  our  boy." 

Hermion  sank  heavily  to  the  marble  steps  at  his 
feet.  She  gripped  the  cold  stone  to  save  herself 
from  fainting;  to  cling  to  her  senses  that  swam  so 
dizzily. 

"You  are  allowed—" 

"  To  come  here  to  bid  you  farewell  and  to  place 
my  testament  in  your  hands.  It  was  a  strange  freak 
of  Dionysius'  ever-strange  mind.  When  Pythias 
volunteered  to  go  to  prison  in  my  stead,  and  to  the 
scaffold  itself  were  I  not  to  return  at  the  appointed 
hour  — " 

"Return  at  the  appointed  hour?"  gasped  Her- 
mion, rising  to  her  knees  and  enwrapping  him  in  her 
arms.  "  You  shall  not  return.  By  all  the  gods  of 
Olympus  and  of  hell,  you  shall  not." 

"Not  return?"   Damon  repeated.     "Hermion! 


HUSBAND  AND  WIFE  259 

Not  return?  Not  go  back  and  free  my  friend  from 
the  fetters  hung  on  him  for  my  sake?  Is  this  my 
loyal,  honorable  wife  who  gives  me  such  vile  coun- 
sel?" 

"  It  is  your  sane  wife  —  the  wife  who  loves  you 
too  dearly  to  let  you  throw  away  your  life  in  a  fit 
of  madness !  Here  you  are  safe  until  we  can  flee. 
And  here  you  shall  stay." 

"And  sacrifice  Pythias'  life?  Oh,  Hermion,  it 
is  you  who  have  gone  mad;  to  tempt  me  to  such  dis- 
honor! " 

"Dishonor?"  she  cried,  beside  herself  with 
frenzy,  her  wonted  meekness  lost  in  the  fierce  battling 
for  the  man  she  loved;  against  himself.  "  Dis- 
honor? And  what  of  me?  What  of  Xextus?  To 
save  one's  life,  all  wrong  becomes  right.  The  gods 
who  gave  us  life  have  taught  us  to  protect  that  life 
at  every  sacrifice.  It  is  the  voice  of  Nature  itself 
that  demands  it.  And  all  men  forgive  such  a  deed, 
because  all  men  themselves  would  do  the  same  thing 
in  like  circumstances.  What  of  Pythias?  He  is 
your  friend  and  mine.  Many  an  hour  shall  I  weep 
for  his  death.  But  all  the  hours  in  life  were  not 
enough  for  me  to  weep  for  yours.  Live  for  me, 
Damon !  You  shall  not  leave  me !  What  friend- 
ship is  so  precious  as  is  love?  " 

"  I  vowed  to  come  back  to  my  punishment." 

"  And  at  the  altar  you  vowed  to  live  for  me !  I 
hold  you  to  that  vow !  " 


260  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

"Hermion!" 

4  You  shall  not  go !  I  say  you  shall  not  go.  See, 
my  arms  are  locked  about  you!  To  leave  me  you 
must  hew  them  away  with  your  sword,  for  I  shall 
never  release  you!  " 

"  Hermion!     The  hour  passes!" 

"  Then  it  shall  pass.     But  you  shall  remain." 

He  struggled  to  break  her  frantic  hold.  But  her 
arms  were  so  entwined  he  could  not. 

"  Mother!  "  called  a  clear,  frightened  voice  from 
behind  them. 

Xextus,  the  woven  garland  in  his  hands,  stood 
looking  at  them  in  terror. 

"  Hermion!  "  cried  Damon  in  despair.  "  Loose 
me!  The  hour  is  past.  I  shall  be  late,  unless— " 

"You  shall  not  go!"  she  moaned.  "Xextus! 
Thank  the  gods  you  have  come  back !  Kneel  beside 
me  here.  Pray  to  your  father  —  pray  to  him  as 
though  he  were  one  of  the  gods  themselves !  Pray 
not  to  be  made  an  orphan !  Pray !  Pray  not  to  be 
left  fatherless  so  soon  —  so  soon !  Oh,  Damon,  my 
husband,  look  at  us !  We  are  kneeling  at  your  feet ! 
You  cannot  refuse  us.  You  cannot  leave  us  to  die 
a  hundred  deaths,  just  that  your  friend  may  live !  " 

"  No.  That  my  pledged  word  may  live !  You 
are  urging  me  to  dishonor.  You  are  bidding  me 
murder  Pythias  that  I  may  live.  Let  me  go !  " 

"No!     Never!     I—" 


HUSBAND  AND  WIFE  261 

Her  voice  choked  in  her  throat.  The  tight  locked 
arms  fell  loose.  Overburdened  nature  could  endure 
no  more.  Even  as  Calanthe  had  done  when  hope 
died,  Hermion  fell  back  upon  the  marble  and  lay 
there,  white  as  the  stone  itself,  and  as  unconscious. 

Damon  knelt  beside  her.  His  tears  raining  down 
on  her  pallid  upturned  face.  He  pressed  his  lips 
to  hers;  once  and  yet  again.  Then,  staggering 
blindly  to  his  feet,  he  stooped  to  kiss  the  weeping 
Xextus;  and  fled  —  fled  as  for  his  life. 

"  Father !  "  wailed  the  child.     "  Father  1 " 

"  Oh,  gods  whose  faithful  servant  I  have  been," 
groaned  Damon  as  he  groped  his  way,  tear-blinded, 
across  the  courtyard  and  to  the  gate,  "  have  in  your 
tender  care  my  wife  and  my  orphan  child.  Deal 
gently  with  those  two  who  are  so  gentle !  Comfort 
and  strengthen  them.  For  naught  save  heavenly  aid 
can  help  them  now.  Grant  that  my  spirit  may  re- 
turn to  soften  their  grief!  I  ask  it,  not  in  reward 
for  aught  that  I  have  done,  but  for  what  I  am  to  do. 
For  I,  a  man,  go  forth  to  die  for  my  fellow  man." 

He  reeled  against  the  huge  sundial  that  stood  just 
within  the  gateway  of  the  villa  courtyard.  The 
shock  of  the  impact  brought  him  to  his  senses.  He 
brushed  the  tear-mists  from  his  eyes  with  a  palsied 
hand.  And  his  glance  fell  on  the  dial.  At  sight  of 
the  late  hour  he  cried  aloud  as  though  in  mortal 
pain. 


V 

262  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

"  I  have  overstayed  my  allotted  time !  "  he  gasped. 
14  I  must  ride  like  the  wind  or  I  shall  arrive  too  late ! 
Gods,  lend  speed  to  my  horse's  feet.  For  I  ride  to 
my  death, —  that  my  friend  may  live !  " 


CHAPTER  XXIV 

DAMON'S  RIDE 

OUT  through  the  gateway  tp  the  road  sprang 
Damon. 
"  Lucullus !  "  he  shouted.     "The  sun  is 
rushing  down  the  sky.     My  horse.     Is  he  ready  as 
I  bade  you  have  him?  " 

He  halted,  mouth  open,  eyes  staring  in  blank  hor- 
ror. 

In  the  roadway,  where  he  had  left  the  beautiful 
gray  horse,  the  steed  was  lying,  stone  dead,  in  a  wide 
pool  of  blood  where  blue  flies  buzzed  and  swarmed. 
The  animal's  throat  was  cut  from  ear  to  ear. 

Beside  the  dead  horse,  stood  Lucullus;  his  dark 
face  impassive  as  a  mask;  his  eyes  fixed  on  his  mas- 
ter. In  his  hand  he  held  a  red-bladed  knife. 

"  Lucullus!  "  stammered  Damon,  aghast;  his  brain 
whirling. 

The  slave,  his  expressionless  eyes  still  on  Damon's, 
opened  his  lips  and  spoke.  In  a  heavy,  unemotional 
voice  he  said: 

"  My  master,  in  Rome,  years  agone,  you  saved 
my  life.  As  I  have  but  now  saved  yours.  Your 
horse  lies  dead.  I  slew  him.  But  ere  I  did  it,  I 

263 


264  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

drove  forth  your  stabled  horses  into  the  forest. 
'Twill  take  a  full  hour  to  find  them.  You  cannot 
return  to  Syracuse  to  die.  It  is  too  late  to  go  on 
foot.  You  will  kill  me  for  what  I  have  done. 
Strike !  I  shall  have  perished  for  you  even  as  you 
would  have  perished  for  your  friend." 

"Gods!" 

The  expletive  came  from  Damon's  white  lips 
almost  in  a  yell,  as,  at  last,  he  comprehended  the 
fearful  thing  that  had  happened. 

"  Slay  me  if  you  will,"  repeated  the  slave,  dog- 
gedly. 

"  Slay  you !  "  screamed  the  maddened  man.  "  It 
is  the  least  I  can  do  to  avenge  my  friend.  Beast  that 
has  robbed  me  of  my  honor!  " 

He  leaped  like  a  savage  tiger  upon  the  cowering 
Lucullus  and  seized  him  by  the  throat. 

His  left  hand  buried  in  the  slave's  flesh,  he  whipped 
out  his  sword  and  poised  it  for  a  downward  sweep 
to  cleave  the  fellow's  skull.  Then  he  hesitated. 

"  A  Senator's  blade  would  find  ill  rest  in  carrion 
like  you!"  he  snarled.  'The  precipice  yonder  is 
your  fitting  death." 

Dragging  his  victim  along  the  ground,  the  infuri- 
ated Damon  hastened  toward  a  cliff  edge,  just  be- 
yond the  villa.  As  he  went,  he  growled  between  his 
teeth : 

"  Revenge  and  sacrifice !  Revenge  on  my  violated 
pledge!  Sacrifice  to  the  red  ghost  of  Pythias  that 


DAMON'S  RIDE  265 

soars  above  us,  perchance,  even  now,  clamoring  to 
know  why  I,  his  friend,  left  him  to  die  my  death. 
With  one  thrust  over  the  ledge  I'll  throw  you  down 
to  hell;  then  leap  after  you  and  kill  my  own  dis- 
grace." 

"  Mercy !  "  pleaded  the  slave,  his  stoic  courage 
forsaking  him  in  face  of  so  hideous  a  death. 
"  Mercy,  my  master!  " 

"  Mercy? "  mocked  the  insane  Damon. 
"Mercy?  Aye,  the  mercy  I  showed  to  Pythias 
when  I  left  him  to  die  in  my  stead.  To  Pythias  who 
trusted  me  and  who,  to  the  last,  awaited  my  return ! 
The  ax  that  severed  his  head  from  his  body  has 
deluged  me  in  his  blood.  Mercy?  Ask  mercy  of 
the  furies  of  red  hell;  —  not  from  me !  " 

He  had  reached  the  cliff  edge;  an  eighty  foot 
sheer  drop  yawned  before  him,  to  the  tooth-pointed 
black  rocks  in  the  valley  beneath. 

Sheathing  his  sword,  Damon  gripped  the  writhing 
Lucullus  by  both  shoulders  and  swung  him  aloft. 
The  slave  closed  his  eyes. 

Suddenly,  with  a  shock  that  drove  the  breath  from 
his  body,  he  was  dashed  violently  to  earth,  scarce  six 
inches  from  the  brink  of  the  precipice. 

Lucullus  started  up;  wondering  at  his  own  escape 
from  the  fate  ordained  for  him  by  the  master  he  had 
sought  to  save. 

Damon  was  running  at  the  top  of  his  speed  along 
the  cliff  edge  toward  a  path  that  wound  its  steep 


266  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

way  down  a  milder  slope  of  the  precipice  to  the  valley 
below. 

As  he  had  swung  the  slave  aloft,  Damon  had 
chanced  to  spy  a  mailed  horseman  cantering  along 
the  valley  road  beneath  him.  And  the  sight  had 
filled  him  with  a  desperate  hope. 

To  the  top  of  the  path  he  dashed.  And  down  the 
steep  declivity  he  ran  and  rolled  and  fell;  clutching 
at  bushes  that  ripped  from  their  roots  at  his  grasp, 
clawing  at  the  jutting  rocks  to  steady  himself;  ever 
taking  chances  that  threatened  life  and  limb ;  increas- 
ing his  speed  a  pace  which,  on  that  hazardous  cliffside, 
was  suicidal. 

His  toga  was  rent  from  him  by  the  thorny 
branches  of  shrubs.  Stones  bruised  and  cut  him. 
Earth  and  clay  grimed  his  hands  and  face  and  gar- 
ments. 

At  last  he  was  brought  up  with  a  bone-racking 
jolt  on  the  top  of  a  bowlder  that  hung  fifteen  feet 
above  the  road.  Heedless  of  life  he  sprang  down; 
clearing  the  intervening  space  and  landing  in  the 
wayside  dust  just  in  front  of  the  amazed  horseman, 
who  had  watched  in  wonder  his  breakneck  down- 
ward progress  from  the  cliff  top. 

"Your  horse,  friend!"  called  Damon,  stagger- 
ing to  his  feet,  his  mouth  full  of  dust.  "  Your 
horse!  At  your  own  price  and  quickly!  I  offer  fifty 
ounces  of  gold  for  him.  JTis  twenty  times  his  value. 
Your  horse,  I  say!  " 


DAMON'S  RIDE  267 

The  horse  shied  violently  at  the  dusty,  gesticu- 
lating apparation  in  the  road;  and  the  rider,  deem- 
ing the  unkempt  and  bleeding  stranger  a  lunatic, 
drew  back  and  would  have  ridden  away. 

But  Damon  was  at  his  side  before  he  could  touch 
spur  to  the  beast.  With  the  strength  of  a  maniac 
he  tore  the  man  from  the  saddle,  and  hurled  him 
headlong  to  earth. 

The  rider,  taken  by  surprise,  fell  with  a  crash  of 
clanking  armor.  But  he  was  a  soldier;  toughened 
in  the  Carthaginian  wars  and  alert  of  wit  and  of 
body.  Scare  had  he  touched  ground  when  he  was 
on  his  feet  again. 

His  sword  flashed  from  its  scabbard  and  with  an 
oath  he  rushed  on  his  assailant. 

Damon,  meantime,  had  sprung  to  the  bridle  of  the 
rearing  horse;  jerked  the  brute's  head  downward 
and  seized  the  mane,  preparatory  to  vaulting  into  the 
saddle. 

But  now,  releasing  the  steed,  he  sprang  nimbly 
aside-;  barely  in  time  to  avoid  the  downward-swish- 
ing stroke  of  the  dismounted  soldier's  heavy  sword. 

t(  lo  Triomphe!  "  yelled  the  angry  horseman,  voic- 
ing his  war-cry,  as  he  smote  again  at  the  unkempt 
form  before  him. 

But  Damon  had  drawn  his  own  blade ;  and  that 
of  the  soldier  smote  ringingly  against  it.  There  was 
no  time  for  explaining;  for  argument,  for  offer  of 
money.  The  stranger,  his  martial  honor  tarnished 


268  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

by  the  overthrow  from  his  horse,  was  in  no  mood 
for  anything  save  bloodshed. 

Back  and  forth,  up  and  down  the  dusty  road,  the 
two  opponents  fought;  their  breath  coming  hot  and 
fast,  their  feet  stamping  in  attack,  retreat  or  recov- 
ery. Their  battling  swordblades  clanged  and 
whined  and  whistled  the  Eternal  Hate  Song  of  the 
Ages. 

Foot  to  foot,  eye  to  eye,  blade  to  blade,  they 
fought;  these  two  who,  five  minutes  earlier,  had 
never  seen  nor  heard  of  each  other,  but  who  now 
sought  to  slay. 

The  soldier  fought  furiously.  But  his  fury  was 
as  nothing  to  his  antagonist's.  Damon  had  no 
hatred  for  his  foe.  But  he  was  mad  with  eagerness 
to  get  away;  to  mount,  to  ride  at  killing  speed  to 
Syracuse  to  rescue  his  imperiled  friend. 

This  stranger  barred  his  way.  Only  by  slaying 
the  man,  apparently,  could  he  hope  to  pass  on. 
And,  only  by  slaying  him  right  swiftly,  could  he  hope 
to  be  on  time.  Every  second  of  delay  weighed 
against  the  life  of  Pythias. 

Wherefore,  disdaining  to  guard  himself  and  seek- 
ing only  to  slay  ere  he  should  be  slain,  Damon  pressed 
his  opponent  with  the  reckless  fierceness  of  a  cor- 
nered tiger. 

Back,  step  by  step,  he  forced  the  soldier  who,  be- 
holding the  other's  wild  recklessness  of  life  and  be- 
coming more  and  more  convinced  that  he  had  to  do 


DAMON'S  RIDE  269 

with  a  maniac,  was  sore  put  to  it  to  defend  him- 
self. 

Damon  beat  down  the  soldier's  guard  and  lunged 
swiftly.  His  sandaled  foot  slipped  in  the  elusive 
dust,  and  momentarily  he  was  thrown  off  his  bal- 
ance. 

His  foe's  skilled  eye  was  quick  to  see  the  brief 
advantage;  and  his  foe's  skill  as  a  swordsman  was 
equally  quick  to  profit  by  it. 

Leaping  in,  the  soldier  struck.  Damon,  recover- 
ing himself,  shrank  aside  from  the  blow,  parrying 
as  he  dodged.  His  sudden  avoidance  and  his  inter- 
vening sword  deflected  the  soldier's  heavily  descend- 
ing blade. 

Its  edge  missed  Damon's  skull  and  inflicted  a 
gash  in  his  left  shoulder.  Damon,  before  the  sol- 
dier could  recover  from  the  impetus  of  that  great 
stroke,  caught  the  latter's  blade  on  the  flat  of  his 
own,  and  smote  downward  and  to  one  side. 

The  trick  served.  The  soldier's  sword  flew  in 
air  and  fell  in  the  roadside  bushes.  The  soldier 
stumbled  backward,  nursing  a  right  arm  that  was 
numb  to  the  shoulder. 

Damon  sheathed  his  own  blade  and  with  almost 
the  same  gesture,  pulled  his  purse  from  his  belt  and 
flung  it  at  the  other's  feet. 

"  In  payment  for  your  steed !  "  he  called,  as  he 
vaulted  to  the  saddle  and  thundered  away  toward 
Syracuse,  without  so  much  as  a  backward  look. 


270  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

Vaguely  he  was  glad  he  had  not  been  obliged  to 
slay  this  foeman  against  whom  he  held  no  hatred. 
To  him  the  fellow  had  been  but  an  obstacle  —  as 
impersonal  as  a  bowlder  or  a  fallen  tree  across  the 
road  —  to  be  overcome  at  the  least  possible  waste 
of  time.  That  he  had  overcome  him  without  shed- 
ding blood  was  a  source  of  gratification  to  Damon. 

But  these  and  all  other  thoughts  were  as  mere 
blurs  in  his  whirling  brain.  He,  the  wise,  the  calm, 
the  icily  clear  thinker,  was  in  a  red  swirl  of  horror. 
His  mind  refused  its  normal  functions. 

He  was  possessed  and  obsessed  by  one  single  all- 
over-powering  impulse :  —  to  reach  Syracuse  in  time 
to  redeem  his  friend's  pledged  life. 

He  forced  his  reeling  brain  to  some  momentary 
semblance  of  its  wonted  clearness  as  the  horse 
bounded  down  the  mountain's  lower  slopes  and  into 
the  wide  plain  that  lay  between  the  hill  and  the  city. 

Was  there  a  chance  he  could  arrive  in  time  ? 

The  sun  had  slipped  perilously  low  in  the  heavens. 
The  shadows  were  lying  in  long  and  weirdly  shaped 
formation  along  the  plain.  Sunset  was  at  hand. 

When  the  red  sun's  rim  should  touch  the  crest  of 
the  far  western  mountains,  Pythias  must  die.  And 
the  miles  of  the  plain  stretched  drearily  long  between 
the  frantic  rider  and  Syracuse. 

To  the  finest  edge,  Damon  had  unwittingly  pro- 
longed his  stay  with  his  wife  and  son,  Hermion's 


DAMON'S  RIDE  271 

passionate  embrace  chaining  him  to  his  home  when 
he  should  have  been  departing. 

The  slaying  of  his  horse,  and  his  own  mad  attempt 
at  vengeance  upon  the  too-faithful  slave  had  further 
delayed  him ;  as  had  the  brief  clash  at  arms  with  the 
unknown  soldier. 

He  had  wasted  time.  Time  that  was  not  his  to 
waste.  And  his  friend's  life  might  be  the  forfeit. 
Thus  fiercely  did  Damon  blame  himself,  in  merciless 
self-arraignment,  forgetting  that  circumstances,  and 
not  he,  were  to  blame. 

He  knew,  as  a  student  of  human  nature,  the  odd 
twists  of  Dionysius'  strange  nature.  He  knew  the 
tyrant  would  keep  his  word:  He  would  not  put 
Pythias  to  death  one  instant  before  the  allotted  time. 
But  he  would  not  delay  one  moment  beyond  that 
time. 

The  whole  issue  rested  with  Damon ;  even  as  Da- 
mon had  proposed  that  it  should.  And,  while  Da- 
mon raved  at  his  own  delay,  he  could  not  in  justice 
blame  the  tyrant  for  taking  him  at  his  word. 

In  a  torture-vision,  the  scene  that  must  be  enacted, 
burned  itself  into  his  soul.  He  seemed  to  behold 
the  agora  with  the  grim  scaffold  and  grimmer  exe- 
cutioner in  its  center;  the  silent,  morbidly-fascinated 
throng  crowding  about  the  gruesome  nucleus. 

He  seemed  to  see  Pythias  —  proud,  unflinching, 
his  face  alight  with  self-renunciation  —  led  forth 


272  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

from  the  gloom  of  the  prison  into  the  sunset  square 
and  to  the  scaffold;  beside  whose  block  the  execu- 
tioner awaited  him,  ax  in  hand. 

Pythias !  The  friend,  the  more-than-brother,  who 
had  trusted  in  Damon's  promise  to  return  and  who 
would  gladly  lay  down  life  that  his  comrade  might 
live! 

Damon  could  almost  hear  the  strangled  weeping  of 
Calanthe ;  could  see  her  fresh  girlish  beauty  crushed 
forever  to  earth  by  the  fearful  tragedy  that  was  to 
engulf  her. 

Damon  groaned  aloud  in  horror.  Frantically  he 
flogged  the  galloping  horse  to  greater  speed.  Dully 
he  became  aware  that  this  lumbering  hack-charger 
of  the  army  was  no  match  in  speed  for  his  own  slain 
horse. 

The  brute  he  now  bestrode  was  one  of  the  thou- 
sands which  army  contractors  yearly  bought  up  from 
farmers  and  from  tradesmen  and  which,  after  a  little 
veterinary  treatment,  they  sold  at  huge  profit  to  the 
government. 

Such  horses,  at  a  pinch,  could  be  counted  upon 
for  a  routine  march  or  even  for  a  lumbering  cavalry 
charge.  But  for  a  race  for  life  they  were  usually 
far  out  of  their  element. 

The  horse  was  breathing  in  heaving  grunts  and, 
despite  Damon's  urging,  was  already  beginning  to 
slacken  speed.  To  the  rider's  urging,  the  animal 
no  longer  responded.  His  was  not  the  thorough- 


DAMON'S  RIDE  273 

bred  strain  that  makes  the  perfect  horse  kill  itself 
from  exertion  at  the  behest  of  its  master. 

The  beast,  bred  rather  to  the  plow  than  to  the  race 
course,  was  spiritless  and  tired;  and  saw  no  reason 
for  tiring  itself  further. 

Damon's  sword  flashed  out.  With  the  flat  of  the 
blade  he  smote  the  sweating  horse  across  the  flanks. 
The  blow  raised  a  weal  on  the  poor  animal's  skin, 
but  added  only  a  momentary  flash  of  speed  to  its 
slackening  pace. 

And  the  sun  dropped  lower  and  lower.  Now  it 
hung  scarce  a  hand-breadth  above  the  western  moun- 
tains. 

Again  and  again  the  flogging  sword  blade  rose  and 
fell.  And  after  the  first  few  blows,  the  horse  did 
not  respond  by  even  a  brief  outburst  of  speed  to  the 
cruel  beating.  A  final  frantic  stroke,  and  the  hilt 
turned  in  Damon's  shaking  hand.  Not  the  flat  but 
the  edge  of  the  blade  smote  the  heaving  flank. 

The  horse  staggered,  lunged  forward  and  fell ;  its 
upper-leg  sinew  cut. . 


CHAPTER  XXV 

FOR  FRIENDSHIP! 

DAMON,  wellnigh  unseated  by  the  horse's 
forward  plunge,  barely  saved  his  leg  from 
being    crushed    under    the    falling    body. 
Swinging  clear  of  the  great  tumbling  bulk,  he  leaped 
to  his  feet. 

For  an  instant  he  stood,  as  one  drugged  to  stu- 
pidity, gazing  down  at  the  struggling  animal.  His 
last  hope  was  gone.  Syracuse  was  a  full  five  miles 
away.  He  was  on  foot.  The  sun  was  making 
ready  to  sink  behind  the  black  mountain  range  to 
westward. 

Five  miles  to  go  —  on  foot !  And  a  distance  that 
the  fleetest  horse  could  scarce  hope  to  travel  in  so 
brief  a  space  of  time ! 

Half  subconsciously,  he  drew  his  sword's  keen 
edge  across  the  throat  of  the  crippled  horse;  mer- 
cifully ending  the  poor  brute's  agony. 

As  he  sheathed  his  blade,  Damon  noted  that  the 
left  side  of  his  torn  and  muddied  tunic  was  wet  with 
blood.  Then  for  the  first  time  he  realized  that  he 
had  been  wounded  during  his  combat  with  the  sol- 
dier. 

274 


FOR  FRIENDSHIP!  275 

Carelessly,  with  glazed  eyes,  he  glanced  at  the 
flesh  wound  in  his  left  shoulder.  The  wound  was 
not  dangerous.  Yet  it  was  bleeding  freely;  and 
the  loss  of  blood  was  beginning  to  weaken  the 
man. 

His  knees  shook  and  his  legs  felt  strangely  heavy 
as  he  started  afoot  toward  the  city.  He  made  no 
effort  to  stanch  the  blood,  miserably  wishing  the 
wound  might  have  found  his  heart  instead  of  his 
shoulder. 

Knowing  full  well  the  hopelessness  of  his  quest, 
he  nevertheless  broke  into  a  shambling  run.  His 
sword  and  embossed  sword-belt  and  scabbard  seemed 
heavy,  so  feeble  was  he  growing  through  loss  of 
blood.  He  cast  them  behind  him  in  the  road. 

His  sandals  weighted  his  tired  feet.  He  kicked 
them  off  and  reeled  on,  barefoot;  the  sharp  stones 
of  the  road  cutting  unheeded  into  his  soles. 

"Pythias!"  he  gasped,  chokingly,  as  he  ran. 
"Pythias!" 

And  again : 

"  Pythias!  Friend  who  is  even  now  perhaps  dy- 
ing for  me !  I  have  failed  you.  Would  to  the  gods 
I  might  have  died  ere  such  an  hour  of  shame !  " 

On,  on,  he  staggered,  drunkenly;  along  the  road 
to  Syracuse;  sweating,  bleeding,  dust-choked,  dizzy. 
His  mind  was  clouded.  His  heart  was  dead.  Yet 
he  moved  toward  his  goal,  bitterly  hopeless  as  he 
knew  his  journey  now  to  be.  Had  his  feet  been 


276  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

hewn  away  he  would  have  crawled  onward  upon  his 
knees. 

He  knew  full  well  there  was  no  chance.  Yet,  so 
long  as  the  fiery  sun  still  stood  above  the  mountains 
he  would  hasten  toward  the  scaffold  with  all  the 
weak  force  he  still  possessed.  After  that  — 

"  Gods !  "  his  blackened  and  cracked  lips  formed 
the  words  that  his  fear-sanded  throat  could  scarcely 
voice.  "  High  gods  of  Olympus !  In  friendship's 
holy  name  I  supplicate  you!  I  who  never  asked  a 
boon  for  myself!  Grant  a  miracle  that  shall  carry 
me  to  Syracuse  to  die  in  my  friend's  stead!  Grant 
it  and  — " 

He  staggered  blindly  against  something  that 
blocked  his  way;  and,  reeling  back  from  the  impact, 
he  sank  into  the  dust. 

The  shock  partly  cleared  his  eyes  and  his  throbbing 
brain.  Looking  upward  he  saw  above  him  a  dark 
faced  man  clad  in  snow  white;  who,  seated  on  a 
white  horse,  was  gazing  down  at  the  fallen  Damon 
in  grave  wonder. 

At  sight  of  the  horse,  Damon,  by  a  mighty  ef- 
fort, got  to  his  feet.  He  recognized  the  steed  as 
a  desert  Arab  of  the  fleetest  breed;  even  as  he  recog- 
nized the  rider  as  one  of  the  Arabian  sheiks  who 
occasionally  journey  from  the  far  off  desert  to  Syra- 
cuse on  business  of  tribal  import. 

Damon's  hand  went  to  his  side.  But  neither  purse 
nor  sword  hung  there.  There  was  no  way  to  bribe 


FOR  FRIENDSHIP!  277 

or  coerce  the  Arab  into  letting  him  have  his  steed. 
And  he  knew  himself  too  weak  from  loss  of  blood  to 
grapple  the  man  barehanded. 

Even  as  Damon  was  rising,  the  sheik  spoke.  Ey- 
ing the  disheveled  and  bleeding  Senator,  he  said 
slowly : 

"  Are  not  you  that  Damon  who  was  to  return  to 
the  city  to  ransom  his  friend's  life?  I  was  in  the 
throng  to-day  and  saw — " 

"  Yes !  "    croaked    Damon,    hoarse,    incoherent. 

'  Yes !     And  I  am  too  late  unless  —     Your  steed, 

Sheik!     In  Friendship's  holy  name  lend  him  to  me! 

I  will  return  him  and  his  weight  in  gold  pieces  if  - — " 

"  In  Friendship's  name  he  is  yours,"  returned  the 
Sheik,  gravely.  "  And  let  there  be  no  talk  of  pay. 
Ride  to  redeem  thy  pledge !  " 

Dismounting,  as  he  spoke,  he  fairly  lifted  the  ex- 
hausted Damojn  to  the  saddle. 

"  May  heaven  thank  you  as  I  cannot!  "  panted 
Damon,  urging  the  milk  white  steed  into  a  run. 

The  blooded  horse  need  no  whip  nor  spur. 
Across  the  plain  he  swept;  neck  outstretched;  tiny 
feet  flying  like  the  hurricane. 

The  wounded  man  crouched  low  in  the  saddle,  his 
eyes  on  the  sinking  sun;  praying  against  all  hope, 
that  he  might  yet  be  in  time. 

The  swart  faced  Arab  sheik  gazed  after  him. 

"  May  the  spirits  of  the  Simoon  speed  Massoud's 
feet  and  bear  the  gallant  man  to  his  hero-death!  " 


278  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

he  mused.  '  To  die  as  he  thus  will  die  shall  prove 
to  all  future  ages  that  Friendship  is  holier  than  all 
else  on  earth." 

And  the  westering  sun  touched  the  top  of  the 
black  mountains. 

The  hour  was  come. 


CHAPTER  XXVI 

THE    HEADSMAN 

BLACK  shadows   from  Wall  and  turret  lay 
thick  across  the  market  square  of  Syracuse. 
In  the  very  midst  of  the  agora  a  hideous 
platform  has  been  built 

Around  the  platform's  foot  surged  and  murmured 
a  vast  crowd  of  men  and  women.  The  noise  of 
shouting,  of  laughter,  of  babbling  talk,  that  mark 
the  presence  of  a  crowd,  were  wholly  absent. 

Save  for  the  low  murmur  of  hushed  voices,  the 
throng  around  the  scaffold-foot  was  silent,  void  of 
life.  The  faces  of  its  men  were  white  and  tense. 
More  than  once  the  stifled  sound  of  its  women's 
weeping  broke  upon  the  stillness. 

The  people  of  Syracuse  had  come  forth  into  the 
agora  to  see  a  brave  man  die.  From  lip  to  lip  sped 
low-muttered  rumors.  One  man  declared  that  Da- 
mon had  returned  and  was  even  now  about  to  be  led 
forth  to  death.  Another  whispered  that  the  Sena- 
tor had  been  waylaid  by  Dionysius'  assassins  a^id  was 
even  now  dead.  A  third  said  that  Pythias  had  aban- 
doned all  hope  of  his  friend's  promised  return  and 
was  prepared  to  meet  his  doom  as  a  hero  should. 

279 


280  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

At  this  last  rumor,  a  wave  of  anger  swept  the 
crowd.  Pythias  was  their  idol.  Gladly  would  hun- 
dreds of  them  have  risked  life  for  the  dashing  young 
general  if,  by  that  risk,  he  could  have  been  saved. 

But,  lining  the  square's  edges,  stood  rank  upon 
rank  of  Dionysius'  picked  veterans;  full  armed;  iron 
of  face;  ready  to  sweep  the  market  place  empty  and 
to  deluge  its  pavement  with  blood  at  the  lightest 
command  of  their  King. 

Wherefore,  heavy  of  heart,  helpless  to  strike  a 
blow  for  their  hero,  the  people  stood  in  tearful  or 
muttering  grief,  and  awaited  the  drama's  next  scene. 

Even  the  most  casual  resident  of  Syracuse,  re- 
entering  the  city  after  an  absence,  that  afternoon, 
would  at  once  have  known  that  something  was  much 
amiss. 

Usually,  the  sunset  hour  was  the  gayest  of  the 
twenty-four.  The  fierce  heat  of  the  day  was  then 
past;  the  cool  breeze  was  setting  in  from  the  Medi- 
terranean; the  toil  of  the  masses  was  over  and  the 
time  for  recreation  had  begun. 

Then  it  was  that  from  a  hundred  walled  gardens 
came  the  soft  twanging  of  lutes  and  the  murmur  of 
song  and  of  laughter.  Through  the  amber  light 
the  nightingale's  sweet  plaint  awoke.  The  fishers' 
chant  arose  from  the  shore  as  the  returning  seamen 
hauled  in  their  brown  nets. 

Through  the  alleys  of  the  ilex,  white  robed  lovers 
strolled  arm  in  arm.  Tradesfolk  sat  pleasantly  gos- 


THE  HEADSMAN  281 

siping  in  front  of  their  shops.  Groups  of  women 
and  girls  loitered  beside  the  public  fountain,  their 
light  laughter  mingling  prettily  with  the  plash  of  the 
water.  Children  played  and  shouted  in  streets  and 
agora.  And  over  all  brooded  the  sweet  peace  of 
the  dying  day;  the  beauty  of  the  sunset  skies;  the 
joy  of  work  done  and  rest  begun. 

This  afternoon  the  wonted  charm  and  glamour  of 
the  sunset  hour  were  missing.  No  music  or  laugh- 
ter arose.  No  child  shouted;  no  lover  sang  his  woo- 
ing. 

Instead,  the  ominous  hush,  the  heartsick  murmur, 
the  occasional  clank  of  swords  or  shield  or  breast- 
plate. A  man  was  to  die.  A  man  the  city  loved. 
And  the  city  held  its  breath  in  horror  and  suspense. 

And  the  next  move  in  the  grisly  drama  —  the 
drama  for  whose  unfolding  the  populace  waited  with 
fascinated  dread  —  was  quick  to  be  made. 

The  rusty  portcullis  of  the  prison  at  the  square's 
upper  end  was  raised.  The  creaking  of  the  grill  in 
its  grooves  and  the  raucous  jar  of  its  chains  rang 
audibly  throughout  the  whole  hushed  square. 

Ten  thousand  eyes  were  turned  toward  the  dirty- 
brown  building. 

Through  the  grim  archway,  under  the  raised  port- 
cullis, marched  six  prison  guards;  each  in  full  armor; 
each  with  sheathed  gladius  at  belt  and  each  gripping 
a  keen  pointed  pilum,  which  he  carried  at  "  guard/' 

In  the  midst  of  this  clump  of  armed  men  strode 


282  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

a  hideous  figure:  —  a  short,  squat  man,  apelike  of 
build;  his  short  legs  surmounted  by  an  abnormally 
muscular  trunk  from  whose  shoulders  hung  arms  as 
long  and  as  sinewy  as  a  gorilla's. 

His  face  was  bestial ;  with  small  glittering  eyes,  a 
grotesquely  flattened  nose,  low  forehead,  a  bristling 
black  beard  and  close-cropped  hair.  His  dress  con- 
sisted of  a  sleeveless  jerkin  and  short  kilt;  the  cos- 
tume affected  by  butchers  of  that  time. 

Over  his  shoulder  he  carried  a  long  hafted  ax 
with  an  enormous  curved  blade;  the  badge  of  his 
calling. 

At  sight  of  the  sinister  dwarfish  man,  a  shudder 
ran  through  the  crowd,  followed  by  a  long  sigh  of 
horrified  loathing. 

Well  did  everyone  there  know  the  newcomer;  and, 
in  the  streets,  women  were  wont  to  draw  aside  their 
robes  as  he  passed;  and  even  the  children  would  spit 
at  him  and  hiss. 

He  was  Matho,  the  public  executioner. 

Then,  as  in  later  and  more  civilized  countries,  the 
public  executioner  was  held  in  abhorrence  and  dread 
by  the  public  at  large.  His  office  was  hereditary; 
descending  from  father  to  son.  No  one,  save  out- 
casts urged  thereto  by  fear,  would  associate  with 
him.  He  was  shunned  like  a  leper. 

Solitary,  embittered,  a  creature  of  wholesale 
hatred,  Matho  lived  out  his  days;  as  friendless  in 
the  teeming  city  of  Syracuse  as  he  would  have  been 


THE  HEADSMAN  283 

on  a  desert  island ;  forbidden  even  to  occupy  a  house 
within  the  city  limits  or  to  drink  at  a  city  tavern. 

In  a  little  hut-community  beyond  the  gates,  he 
dwelt;  his  companions  and  neighbors,  the  paraschites 
(undertakers  and  embalmers),  those  accused  of 
witchcraft  and  criminals  who  were  in  hiding. 

Only  on  occasions  when  a  man  must  die  to  satisfy 
the  law,  was  Matho  allowed  to  set  foot  in  the  agora. 
And  then,  only  when  surrounded  by  a  highly  neces- 
sary band  of  bodyguards  to  protect  him  from  the 
hatred  of  the  people. 

This  afternoon,  the  thick-packed  crowd  parted 
readily  before  the  advance  of  Matho  and  his  six 
guards.  The  mass  of  people  parted  to  make  a  lane 
for  them;  as  one  draws  back  from  a  slimy  serpent. 
There  was  less  of  fear  of  the  guard  in  their  move- 
ment than  of  aversion  to  the  man  who  was  guarded. 

Matho,  unhindered,  strode  through  the  press;  to 
the  low  flight  of  four  steps  that  led  upward  to  the 
platform  of  the  scaffold.  In  the  middle  of  the  plat- 
form the  headsman's  block  had  been  placed.  It  was 
a  cylinder  of  wood  whose  summit  had  been  hollowed 
to  allow  the  neck  of  a  victim  to  fit  into  it. 

Matho  walked  over  to  the  block;  placed  one  foot 
on  it,  tested  the  edge  of  his  ax  —  and  waited. 

The  sun  was  touching  the  western  mountains. 


CHAPTER  XXVII 

SUNSET 

MEANTIME,  within  the  prison,  Calanthe 
cowered.     Refusing  all  of  Creugas'  pleas 
to  leave  the  gloomy  place,   she  had  re- 
mained on  the  terrace  outside  of  the  door  of  Pythias' 
cell. 

Recovering  from  her  swoon,  she  had  hastened  to 
the  closed  and  barred  door  as  fast  as  her  faltering 
steps  could  bear  her.  Then,  as  near  as  possible 
to  her  sweetheart,  she  had  pressed  her  fair  warm 
body  against  the  cold  bars  and  called  aloud  to  the 
captor. 

Creugas,  by  entreaties  and  almost  by  physical 
force,  had  sought  to  make  her  come  away  with  him. 
But  her  one  reply  had  been : 

"  After  sunset  to-day  Pythias  and  I  shall  be  as 
far  apart  as  are  the  Earth  and  the  Elysian  Fields. 
For  this  poor  space  of  time  that  is  left  to  us,  let  me 
be  as  near  to  him  as  I  may.  It  is  all  that  is  left  to 
him  in  life.  It  is  all  that  will  be  left  to  me  to  re- 
member." 

Nor  could  Creugas'  urging  shake  her  resolve. 
And  at  last  the  old  man  had  limped  away,  mumbling 
protests  against  her  stubbornness. 

284 


SUNSET  285 

Through  the  long  afternoon,  as  the  sun,  inch  by 
inch,  dipped  toward  the  western  horizon,  the  girl 
had  knelt  there  against  the  bars,  calling  now  and  then 
to  her  prisoned  lover;  her  love  words  deadened  by 
the  iron  of  the  door. 

None  molested  her.  Perhaps  the  power  of  the 
signet  ring,  shown  by  Creugas  to  the  guard-captain,, 
prevented  the  turnkeys  or  soldiers  from  ordering  her 
away.  Perhaps  the  power  of  her  own  heart-broken 
love  softened  their  rough  hearts  and  made  them  leave 
her  to  her  grief. 

And  so  the  afternoon  had  dragged  by,  on  leaden 
feet.  The  shadows  lengthened  and  the  sunset 
breeze  drifted  in  from  sea.  And  at  last  the  weep- 
ing girl  felt  a  hand  on  her  bowed  head. 

"No.  No!"  she  wailed.  "  Not  yet.  Not 
yet!" 

She  looked  up  to  see  Creugas  bending  over  her. 
Behind  him  were  soldiers.  The  men  at  arms  stood 
out  of  earshot  at  the  entrance  to  the  inner  corridor 
of  the  prison.  Creugas,  if  he  had  accompanied  them 
thither,  had  apparently  bidden  them  wait  at  the  ter- 
race-end while  he  spoke  with  Calanthe. 

"  Leave  me!  "  implored  the  girl,  recognizing  him. 
u  Leave  me  with  him  —  alone,  here  —  until  the 
last." 

"  I  have  come,"  began  the  old  man,  "  to  tell 
you  — " 

"  There  are  no  tidings  that  can  interest  me  now,'* 


286  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

she  interrupted.  "  Oh,  will  you  not  leave  me  ?  Do 
not  think  I  am  thankless  for  the  service  you  sought 
to  render  him.  Later, —  when  all  is  over  —  I  can 
thank  you,  perhaps,  as  I  should.  But  now  I  can 
think  only  of  my  loved  one  who  must  die." 

"  Perhaps  he  need  not  die,"  said  Creugas,  gently. 

"  Need  not  —  need  not  die  ?  "  she  echoed,  incred- 
ulous; then:  "No,  good  friend.  You  are  wrong. 
He  will  not  consent  to  escape;  even  if  you  can  still 
save  him  that  way." 

"  I  cannot,"  returned  the  old  man.  "  Fortune 
never  gives  twice  the  same  chance  to  the  same  man. 
To-day,  Pythias  had  his  chance.  And  he  hurled  it 
away  from  him,  for  honor's  sake.  That  chance  has 
flown.  See,  the  ship  that  awaited  him  has  sailed." 
4  Then,  why  do  you  come  here  to  — ?  " 

"  I  come  to  tell  you  that  there  is  hope  for  Pythias." 

"Hope?  What  hope  can  there  be?  His  life 
hangs  on  Damon's  return.  And  Damon  cannot  re- 
turn; for  did  not  the  assassins  of  Dionysius  lie  in  wait 
for  him  in  the  woodland  at  the  mountain-foot  and 
slay  him?  " 

"No!" 

"  No?  "  she  cried,  trembling  all  over.  "  But  you 
told  me  — " 

"  I  told  you  what  I  myself  heard  from  the  tyrant's 
own  lips.  Ten  minutes  ago  I  learned  Dionysius 
changed  his  plans  —  he  is  ever  changeable,  when  the 
whim  strikes  him  —  and  recalled  the  murderers. 


SUNSET  287 

He  is  resolved  not  to  cog  fate's  dice,  he  says;  but 
to  let  the  event  shape  itself.  If  Damon  returns  be- 
fore the  sun  has  set,  Pythias  shall  live.  If  he  re- 
turns not,  Pythias  dies  in  his  place.  But  the  tyrant 
has  not  interfered  with  Damon's  journey.  The  re- 
sult is  on  the  knees  of  the  gods." 

The  girl  sprang  up;  her  lassitude  gone,  her  face 
aglow,  her  eyes  starlike  and  sparkling. 

"  Oh,  may  the  gods  bring  you  wealth  and  bliss !  " 
she  cried,  impulsively  seizing  the  old  man's  lean  hand 
and  covering  it  with  kisses.  "  You  have  brought  me 
to  light  and  air,  out  of  the  grave.  Pythias  will  be 
saved,  then!  " 

"If  friendship  be  so  sacred  a  thing  as  he  and 
Damon  have  ever  boasted,"  said  Creugas.  "  If 
friendship  be  more  to  Damon  than  is  Self,  then 
Pythias  shall  live.  If  he  prefer  life  rather  than 
sarifice,  then  Pythias  dies.  All  hangs  on  the  weight 
of  Damon's  friendship,  as  weighed  against  love  of 
life  and  wife  and  child.  Few  could  withstand  the 
test,  perhaps  none." 

"None?"  she  repeated,  indignantly.  "Have 
you  forgot  that  for  friendship's  sake,  Pythias  this 
very  day  did  turn  his  back  on  life  and  freedom? 
Shall  Damon  do  less?  " 

"  That,"  replied  Creugas  dryly,  "  remains  to  be 
proven.  'Tis  that  which  the  tyrant  himself  waits 
in  hot  impatience  to  discover.  He  could  not  at  first 
believe  that  friendship  was  so  strong  as  to  make 


288  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

Pythias  yield  himself  hostage  in  Damon's  stead. 
Nor,  now,  can  he  believe  that  Damon  will  be  so 
great  a  fool  as  to  come  back  and  die  when  he  may 
remain  away  and  live." 

Calanthe  scarce  heard.  A  cloud  had  crossed  the 
roseate  glad  hopes  that  had  so  suddenly  sprung  to 
life  within  her.  She  remembered  her  own  earlier 
fears  lest  Damon  might  not  withstand  the  terrible 
test;  lest  Hermion's  tears  might  win  him  from 
honor ;  lest  the  sight  of  his  adored  boy  might  melt  his 
resolve. 

Yet  only  for  an  instant  did  she  let  her  mind  dwell 
on  such  morbid  fears.  The  newborn  hope  was  too 
strong  to  be  long  clouded. 

With  her  bare  fists  she  beat  upon  the  iron  door  of 
Pythias'  cell,  shrilling  rapturously : 

"  Pythias!  Pythias,  my  lover, —  my  lover! 
There  is  hope  for  you !  " 

Forgetting  that  her  joyous  news  could  not  pierce 
the  thick  metal  of  the  door,  she  cried  it  over  and 
again. 

Steps  and  the  clank  of  arms  sounded  behind  her. 
The  captain  of  the  guard  and  a  troop  of  twenty 
heavy-armed  hopleit  soldiers  were  advancing  toward 
the  cell. 

Calanthe's  frightened  gaze  turned  instinctively 
from  the  oncoming  soldiers  to  the  westering  sun. 
The  red  orb's  lower  rim  was  wellnigh  kissing  the 
mountain  crest. 


SUNSET  289 

And  again  sick  fear  possessed  her.  On  a  mad 
impulse  she  threw  herself  in  front  of  the  cell,  her 
arms  flung  wide  across  it. 

"  You  shall  not  take  him !  "  she  wept.  "  Grant 
him  time !  Damon  may  yet  come  —  will  yet  come 

—  to  take  his  place  on  the  scaffold !     You  reach  my 
lover  only  across  my  corpse." 

The  guard-captain's  gnarled  face  took  on  a  look 
of  irritation.  He  stepped  forward  as  though  to 
drag  the  frantic  bride  away  from  the  cell  door. 

But  Creugas,  as  if  by  accident,  interposed  his  body 
between  the  girl  and  the  captain.  And  the  sunset 
rays,  touching  his  uplifted  hand,  set  the  signet  ring 
to  flashing  ominously. 

The  Captain  halted;  irresolute;  then,  choking 
back  his  annoyance,  said  in  gruff  kindliness : 

"  Lady,  we  do  not  come  to  take  him  to  his  death, 

—  if  Damon  returns.     And  there  are  still  some  few 
minutes  lacking  ere  the  hour  of  sunset.     We  come 
by  orders  of  his  gracious  Majesty,  the  King,  to  lead 
the  prisoner  to  the  scaffold;  there  to  wait  Damon's 
coming." 

"But  why—  ?" 

"  'Tis  at  the  scaffold,  not  here  in  prison,  Damon 
will  seek  him  if  he  arrives  by  any  chance  at  the  last 
moment,"  explained  Creugas.  "  And  by  going  to 
the  scaffold,  forthwith,  Pythias  can  behold  his  friend 
as  he  arrives.  Were  Damon  to  seek  him  here  at 
the  prison,  much  time  might  well  be  lost  in  gaining 


290  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

ingress.  Come,  sir!"  to  the  guard-captain,  "  to 
your  task.  The  lady  will  not  oppose  you.  And,  by 
the  authority  vested  in  me,  I  command  that  she  be 
permitted  to  accompany  her  husband  to  the  scaf- 
fold." 

Again,  the  Captain  scowled,  and  seemed  as  though 
he  were  about  to  refuse.  And  again  Creugas  raised 
the  shining  hand  that  bore  the  monarch's  signet  ring. 

"  As  you  say !  "  grumbled  the  Captain.  "  If  there 
be  complaint  or  rebuke,  for  so  irregular  an  act,  I  look 
to  you  to  make  my  peace  with  the  King." 

"  Do  not  fear,"  said  Creugas  brusquely,  "  but 
make  haste.  The  King's  orders  are  yet  unfulfilled." 

The  soldier,  as  though  irked  at  being  forced  to 
take  orders  from  an  ill-clad  civilian,  seemed  about  to 
rebuke  the  authoritative  old  man.  But,  again,  on 
second  thought,  he  swallowed  his  resentment. 

He  strode  to  the  cell  door,  unbarred  it  and  flung 
it  open. 

"Come  forth !"  he  ordered. 

Pythias,  deadly  pale,  yet  his  eyes  fearless  and  his 
brow  calm,  stepped  out  upon  the  terrace.  As  be- 
fore, his  glance  swept  sea  and  sky,  lingering  in  brief 
dread  on  the  low  sun. 

Then  he  saw  Calanthe  and  he  stretched  out  his 
arms  to  her  in  silence.  She  fled  to  their  mighty 
refuge  and  lay  close  to  his  breast. 

"My   sweetheart!"    she    said   softly,    her   voice 


SUNSET  291 

a-thrill  with  hope.  "  There  is  glorious  news  for 
you." 

"  Damon  has  returned?  "  asked  Pythias,  more  in 
sorrow  than  in  hope.  "  My  friend,  then,  must  die?  " 

"  He  has  not  returned,"  she  made  reply.  "  But 
he  may  return.  The  tyrant's  order  to  slay  him,  as 
he  rode,  was  countermanded.  He  was  not  way- 
laid." 

"  Then  he  will  be  here." 

There  was  a  calm  certainty  in  Pythias's  tone. 

"  May  the  gods  grant  it !  "  prayed  Calanthe. 

"  Come !  "  ordered  the  Captain.  "  You  are  to 
await  him  on  the  scaffold." 

"  On  the  scaffold?  "  echoed  Pythias,  recoiling  ever 
so  slightly. 

"  It  is  the  King's  command,"  said  the  Captain. 

"  I  am  ready,"  answered  Pythias,  his  face  and 
voice  as  calm  as  those  of  a  man  who  fares  forth  to  a 
feast. 

At  a  word  from  the  Captain,  the  twenty  hopleits 
formed  in  double  rank  about  the  prisoner.  Calanthe, 
clinging  to  her  husband's  arm,  pressed  the  closer  to 
him  as  the  armored  men  hemmed  them  in.  Directly 
behind  Pythias  and  Calanthe,  in  the  dual  hedge  of 
soldiers,  stood  old  Creugas. 

"  March!  "  rasped  the  Captain,  drawing  his  sword 
and  taking  his  place  at  the  little  procession's  head. 

The  soldiers  stepped  forward  as  one  man,  in  their 


292  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

leader's  wake,  their  short  heavy  swords  drawn.  In 
the  space  between  their  double  ranks  walked  Pythias 
and  Calanthe,  followed  closely  by  Creugas. 

In  this  formation  the  party  moved  through  the 
wide  door  into  the  prison,  along  its  corridor  and 
across  the  courtyard  to  the  raised  portcullis,  where 
stood  four  spearmen  on  guard. 

The  spearmen  saluted,  drew  aside  to  let  them 
pass,  and  then  followed  them  as  a  rear  rank,  march- 
ing abreast.  Behind  the  departing  group,  the  port- 
cullis clanged  down. 

Out  into  the  sunset  square  marched  Pythias,  his 
guard  in  close  order  around  him.  At  sight  of  the 
prisoner  a  groan  as  of  physical  pain  went  up  from  the 
thousands  of  onlookers  that  filled  the  square  and  the 
surrounding  roofs  and  windows. 

At  sight  of  the  captive,  all  eyes  were  turned  from 
the  scaffold,  with  its  grim  form  of  the  executioner 
standing,  ax  in  hand,  beside  his  block.  There  was 
an  involuntary  general  movement  toward  the  man 
who  walked  amid  his  guards;  a  movement  of  sym- 
pathy, of  affection,  of  fierce  pity. 

Well  it  was  for  the  carrying  out  of  Dionysius' 
'  orders,  that  so  many  and  such  heavy-armed  soldiers 
had  been  chosen  for  the  prisoner's  escort;  else  had 
the  crowd  torn  Pythias  free.  As  it  was,  the  people 
surged  like  angry  waves  on  every  side  of  the  pro- 
cession, sweeping  up  to  the  very  sword-points  of  the 
hopleit  guard. 


SUNSET  293 

Through  the  press,  the  Captain  and  his  men 
marched.  The  people  gave  back,  threateningly  and 
hesitatingly,  before  their  steel  clad  progress;  weep- 
ing, murmuring,  cursing. 

Pythias,  his  fair  head  erect,  marched  gallantly 
among  his  captors.  The  bright  eye  did  not  flinch  — 
even  at  sight  of  scaffold,  block  and  headsman  —  nor 
did  the  proud  step  lag. 

Firmly,  he  trod,  shoulders  back,  eyes  steady,  white 
brow  unruffled.  One  arm  was  about  Calanthe,  sup- 
porting her  frightened  steps.  His  firm  set  lips 
moved  only  to  whisper  words  of  love  and  good  cheer 
to  her;  words  which  old  Creugas,  hobbling  just  be- 
hind, craned  his  stringy  neck  to  catch. 

And  thus,  through  the  helplessly  sympathetic 
crowd,  they  came  at  length  to  the  scaffold.  At  the 
foot  of  its  steps,  the  Captain  halted. 

Creugas  drew  him  aside  and  whispered  earnestly 
to  him  for  a  moment  or  two.  The  Captain  listened, 
at  first  impatiently;  but  with  growing  respect.  When 
Creugas  had  finished,  the  Captain  saluted. 

Creugas  asked  him  a  question.  The  Captain  an- 
swered and  Creugas  made  his  way  back  to  Calanthe 
and  Pythias. 

"  I  have  ordered  the  Captain,"  he  said,  "  to  keep 
sharp  lookout  for  sign  of  Damon's  coming;  and  to 
give  you  every  moment  that  the  tyrant's  commands 
will  permit." 

"Where  is  Dionysius?"  queried  Calanthe.     "I 


294  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

had  thought  he  would  not  miss  this  chance  to  gloat 
over  his  foe?  " 

'  Trouble  yourself  no  more,  then,"  said  Creugas. 
"  He  is  beholding  all.  Yet  not  where  the  people, 
should  they  seek  to  riot,  can  harm  him." 

"Where,  then?"  asked  Pythias,  looking  around. 

"  See  you  the  high  tower  above  the  prison?  Then 
look  closer.  Upon  its  top,  do  you  see  three  men 
standing?  The  parapet  shields  them  and  half-con- 
ceals them  from  the  crowd." 

"I  see  them.     But — " 

"  The  central  man  of  the  three, —  he  with  the  pur- 
ple mantle  which  masks  his  lower  face, —  is  Dio- 
nysius.  His  companions  are  Procles  and  Damocles." 

"  But,  seeing  you  with  us,  will  he  not  — " 

"  Ere  he  can  lay  hands  on  me,"  said  Creugas,  "  I 
shall  be  far  beyond  his  power.  Nor  will  he  risk  ob- 
servation by  sending  orders  hither  until  the  crowd 
has  dispersed.  The  execution  is  in  the  hands  of  the 
Captain,  yonder.  He  — " 

The  Captain  approached,  and  motioned  Pythias 
to  mount  the  scaffold.  Pythias  obeyed;  moving  with 
regal  trend  as  though  mounting  a  throne.  Calanthe, 
her  arms  locked  about  him,  climbed  the  steps  at  his 
side.  The  officer  stepped  forward  to  prevent  her. 
A  word  from  Creugas  checked  him.  And  Creugas 
himself  mounted  the  steps  at  their  heels. 

Pythias  looked  about  him;  his  keen  eyes  sweeping 
the  crowd  that  filled  the  agora  and  blackened  the 


SUNSET  295 

housetops.  And,  beyond,  toward  the  plain  he 
stared.  Nowhere  could  he  see  the  hurrying  figure 
he  sought. 

The  sun's  lower  rim  touched  the  mountain  top  to 
westward. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII 

FRIENDSHIP'S  ALTAR 

CALANTHE,  even  more  eagerly  than  Pyth- 
ias, gazed  in  every  direction  for  sign  of 
Damon's    coming.     Out    over    the    plain 
roved  her  wide  eyes;  scanning  such  patches  of  the 
distant  road  as  were  visible ;  —  seeking  ever  for  the 
gray  steed  and  his  togaed  rider.     But  the    road 
seemed  empty. 

Nor,  through  the  crowd,  was  there  sign  of  Damon 
shouldering  his  way  forward  to  save  his  friend. 

"  He  will  not  come !  "  she  wept. 

And  at  sight  of  her  tears,  a  noise  of  sobbing  rose 
from  the  crowd.  Women  wept  aloud.  Men,  in  a 
gust  of  righteous  rage  at  her  grief,  jostled  forward, 
hands  on  knife  hilts;  threatening,  growling,  mouth- 
ing: 

Up  to  the  ring  of  steel-clad  soldiers  who  sur- 
rounded the  scaffold,  rushed  the  crowd;  only  to  give 
back  before  the  bristling  line  of  sword  points  and 
spears. 

"  He  will  not  come !  "  repeated  the  heartbroken 
girl. 

296 


Universal  Film  Manufacturing  Co. 

"DIONYSIUS,  TYRANT  THOUGH  HE  BE,  WILL  NEVER  SEVER  FRIEND- 
SHIP SUCH  AS  THIS." 


FRIENDSHIP'S  ALTAR  297 

"  May  the  gods  help  him  in  the  misfortune  that 
has  befallen  him !  "  said  Pythias.  "  Were  it  hu- 
manly possible,  he  would  be  here  ere  now.  He  has 
been  slain." 

"  Perhaps,"  suggested  Creugus,  "  he  suddenly 
finds  his  life  over-sweet  to  throw  away." 

"  Old  man,"  rebuked  Pythias  sternly,  "  your  with- 
ered heart  has  never  known  true  friendship  or  stirred 
to  the  call  of  honor.  Else  you  would  unsay  those 
lying  words." 

"  Creugas !  "  broke  in  Calanthe.  "  You  have 
pointed  out  Dionysius  to  me,  on  yonder  tower.  Take 
me  to  him, —  take  me  to  him,  my  friend." 

1  To  what  purpose?  " 

"  That.  I  may  kneel  at  his  feet  and  implore  of  him 
my  lover's  life." 

"  As  well  kneel  to  yon  sinking  sun  and  bid  it  stand 
still,"  answered  Creugas.  ''  There  is  no  mercy  in 
the  tyrant.  You  would  but  humble  yourself  in  v'ain, 
to  throw  yourself  on  the  mercy  of  the  merciless." 

1  You  shall  not  do  it,  my  Calanthe,"  Pythias  en- 
joined. "  You  shall  not  kneel  to  him.  I  am  in  the 
hands  of  the  gods;  not  of  the  tyrant." 

"  But  I  — " 

"  It  is  useless,"  supplemented  Creugas.  "  Even 
were  there  time  —  which  there  is  not  —  you  could 
not  reach  him.  For  fear  of  a  rising  of  the  people 
in  Pythias7  behalf,  Dionysius  has  not  only  gone  to  the 
tower's  roof,  but  he  has  had  the  doors  behind  him 


298  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

barred;  and  soldiers  of  his  own  household  guard 
standsbefore  the  doors.  No  one  can  pass  to  him." 

"  Prisoner,"  intervened  the  Captain,  coming  to- 
ward them,  "  the  hour  is  at  hand.  Two  minutes  re- 
main to  you  to  make  your  peace  with  the  gods." 

"  I  have  not  waited  until  my  death  hour,"  re- 
turned Pythias,  "  to  make  my  peace  on  high.  I  go 
to  my  death  a  brave  and  stainless  soldier.  Even  as 
I  have  sought  to  teach  my  followers  how  to  live,  so 
now  will  I  teach  them  how  a  true  man  can  die. 
Calanthe!  "  he  added,  turning  to  the  weeping  girl,  a 
catch  in  his  own  deep  voice.  "  Sweetheart  of  mine, 
I  shall  wait  for  you  at  the  Gateway  of  Life.  When- 
ever the  time  may  come,  my  own,  I  shall  be  waiting. 
For,  Elysium  will  not  be  Elysium  until  you  share  it 
with  me.  Death  cannot  break  the  golden  chain  of 
such  love  as  ours.  Be  brave,  my  glorious  one. 
Tears  are  not  for  the  bride  of  a  soldier.  One  last 
kiss  —  the  last  of  many  thousand  — " 

Their  lips  met  in  a  long,  long  embrace.     Then  — 

"  Should  Damon  still  live,  do  not  upbraid  him," 
Pythias  besought.  "  He  has  much  to  live  for.  If 
he  be  not  dead,  then  have  the  gods  in  their  wisdom 
thrown  some  obstacle  in  the  way  of  his  return.  He 
is  not  false  to  me.  Be  sure  of  that.  Tell  him  I  held 
him  guiltless." 

"  The  hour  has  fallen,"  said  the  officer,  laying  a 
heavy  hand  on  Pythias'  arm.  "  Come  !  " 

Shaking  off  the  touch,  Pythias  gathered  the  maiden 


FRIENDSHIP'S  ALTAR  299 

into  his  arms  and  strained  her  to  his  heart.  Then, 
gently  disengaging  her  arms  that  clung  so  tensely  to 
him,  and  not  daring  to  look  again  into  her  weeping 
eyes,  he  turned  and  walked  to  the  block.  Kneeling 
beside  it  he  laid  his  head  in  the  grisly  hollow  that 
awaited  it.  Calanthe  would  have  run  forward,  but 
the  Captain  of  the  guard  detained  her. 

The  executioner  stepped  forward;  spat  on  his  cal- 
loused palm,  balanced  the  great  ax  in  his  grasp  and, 
swinging  the  weapon  on  high,  awaited  the  Captain's 
command  to  strike. 

From  the  hushed  crowd  arose  a  gasp  of  mortal 
horror.  And,  through  that  _gasp,  came  a  cry ;  — 
hoarse,  spent,  yet  terrible  in  its  intensity.  An  in- 
stant's pause  and  then  fifty  voices  from  one  end  of 
the  agora  took  up  the  cry;  and  it  swelled  into  a 
yell  of 

"Damon!     Damon!     Damon!     DAMON!" 

The  Captain,  the  word  of  command  trembling  on 
his  lips,  turned  to  note  the  cause  of  the  outcry.  The 
square's  eastern  end  was  in  wild  tumult.  The  close 
packed  watchers  broke  up  in  an  eddying  mass;  an 
eddy  that  swirled  onward;  nearer  and  ever  nearer  to 
the  scaffold.  And  now  fifty  voices  had  grown  to  a 
thousand;  all  shrieking: 

"Damon!" 

The  Captain's  sharp  glance  pierced  the  nearing 
eddy.  He  saw  all  at  once  that  its  nucleus  was  a  di- 
sheveled man,  with  blood  streaming  from  a  wound  in 


3oo  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

the  shoulder  and  drenching  his  torn  and  soiled  tunic; 
a  man  whose  head  was  bare,  and  whose  gray  locks 
hung  loose  and  disarranged,  clotted  with  blood  and 
dirt;  whose  ashen  face  was  a  mask  of  torture. 

"Hold!"  called  Creugas,  imperiously  thrusting 
aside  the  headsman's  poised  ax.  'Tis  Damon!  " 

Calanthe,  with  a  shriek  of  joy,  stared  at  the  ap- 
proaching man.  Weak,  staggering  drunkenly, 
Damon  was  forging  ahead,  toward  the  scaffold; 
helped  on  in  his  weak  progress  by  scores  of  strong 
arms. 

Pythias  arose  from  his  knees  and  ran  to  the  scaf- 
fold edge. 

"  My  friend !  "  he  cried  brokenly.  "  My  friend ! 
Oh,  my  friend!  " 

Damon  had  reached  the  scaffold's  foot.  Reeling 
up  the  steps,  he  collapsed,  exhausted,  at  the  feet  of 
Pythias;  gasping  breathlessly: 

"  You  live !  You  still  live/  Oh,  all  the  gods  be 
praised !  I  am  on  time.  I  could  not  urge  my  horse 
through  the  thick  crowd  that  walled  in  the  square. 
I—" 

"  Damon !  "  Calanthe  was  weeping,  as  she  knelt 
at  the  wounded  man.  "  Forgive  me  that  I  doubted 
you !  Forgive  me  that  I  doubted  the  holy  power  of 
friendship !  " 

"  Friendship !  "  muttered  Damon,  dazedly. 

Then,  at  the  word,  a  delirium  of  ecstasy  gripped 
him.  Forgot  were  his  fatigue,  his  wound,  his  weak- 


FRIENDSHIPS  ALTAR  301 

ness.  To  his  feet  he  struggled  and  stood  swaying 
there,  glaring  wildly  out  over  the  tumultuous  multi- 
tude that  shouted  itself  crazy  on  every  side  of 
him. 

"Have  I  fallen  from  my  horse ?"  he  mumbled, 
dizzily.  "  Or  has  the  soldier  slain  me  and  am  I  in 
the  House  of  the  Dead?  The  gods  know  I  would 
have  died  for  my  friend.  And  all  that  mere  mortal 
could  do  I  did.  Yet  I  —  I  am  too  late !  " 

"Damon!  My  friend!  My  brother!"  cried 
Pythias,  seizing  his  hands. 

The  touch  lent  new  life  to  the  delirious  man.  He 
stood  erect,  as  though  fresh  and  unwounded ;  and  he 
laughed  aloud  in  boyish  triumph. 

"  You  live !  "  he  exulted.  "  You  do  live !  Then 
it  was  not  a  dream.  Yet,  there  is  the  block.  I  stand 
upon  the  scaffold.  The  gods  be  praised,  it  is  for  me 
—  not  you!  Oh,  this  is  the  happiest  hour  of  my 
life.  I  am  here!  n 

Staggering  to  the  platform's  edge,  he  threw  out 
his  arms.  Instantly  the  clamorous  crowd  grew  silent 
in  expectation. 

"  Friendship  triumphs  1  "  cried  Damon,  his  voice 
ringing  forth  like  a  silver  clarion.  "  Friendship  tri- 
umphs! And  I,  a  Friend,  am  greater  than  your 
King !  This  scaffold  is  my  throne ;  —  a  throne  more 
glorious  than  Jupiter's  own.  I  am  to  die.  Yet 
Friendship  shall  live.  Dionysius  lives,  yet  his  glory 
shall  die;  while  mine  shall  wax  ever  brighter  and 


302  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

brighter  until  it  has  eclipsed  the  sun  itself.     lo  Tri- 
omphe!  " 

A  roar  from  ten  thousand  throats  hysterically 
caught  up  the  cry;  and  walls  and  hills  echoed  with 
"  lo  Trlomphe!  " 

"Dionysius!  Tyrant!"  screamed  Damon,  car- 
ried away  by  the  thrill  of  cheers.  "  Did  ever  Syra- 
cuse acclaim  you  as  now  in  my  person  it  acclaims 
Friendship?  When  were  you  hailed  by  shouts  like 
these?  Again,  my  friends!  Shout!  And  let  the 
noise  of  your  applause  rise  to  high  heaven  itself! 
lo  Triomphe!" 

"  lo  Triomphe!"  roared  ten  thousand  voices. 

"  Tell  me !  "  cried  Damon,  laughing  wildly  as  he 
faced  the  captain  of  the  guard.  "  Where  is  your 
tyrant  master?  Where  does  he  hide?  I  fain  would 
look  on  his  defeat  and  laugh  at  him." 

"  Then,"  spoke  a  voice  behind  him,  "  look  —  and 
laugh!" 

Damon's  bloodshot  eyes  turned  and  met  those  of 
Creugas.  And,  as  he  looked,  Creugas  raised  both 
hands  to  his  own  head  and  face. 

In  one  gesture  he  drew  away  his  hands  and  with 
them  came  the  gray  hair  and  beard.  A  sweep  of  his 
cloak-edge  and  the  disfiguring  red  blotches  and  dark 
lines  were  wiped  from  his  cheeks. 

"  Dionysius!  "  gasped  Calanthe. 

"  Dionysius!  "  echoed  Damon  and  Pythias,  in  one 
breath. 


FRIENDSHIP'S  ALTAR  303 

"  Dionysius,"  replied  the  King,  his  inscrutable 
gaze  resting  on  each  in  turn,  "  the  tyrant  on  whom 
you  would  fain  i  look  and  laugh.*  What,  man?  "  he 
went  on,  as  the  three  stared  upon  him  aghast,  in- 
credulous, spellbound.  "  No  laughter?  Yet  I 
merit  laughter.  For  I  am  become  the  butt  of  mine 
own  jest." 

Again  his  hawk  eyes  swept  them.  And  still  they 
were  silent.  To  Pythias  and  to  Calanthe,  the  trans- 
formation of  the  doddering  old  meddler,  Creugas, 
into  Dionysius  himself,  was  little  short  of  miracu- 
lous. It  held  them  dumb. 

Damon,  on  the  other  hand,  was  scarce  fit  for 
speech.  The  momentary  exaltation  had  passed;  and 
weakness  and  pain  surged  wave-like  over  him.  He 
had  kept  his  vow.  He  had  returned  to  lay  down  his 
life  for  his  friend.  He  was  in  time  for  the  sacrifice. 
Nothing  else,  for  the  instant,  really  mattered.  That 
the  tyrant  had  suddenly  appeared  out  of  space  and 
confronted  him  roused  scant  interest  in  the  exhausted 
man's  mind. 

"  Yes,"  resumed  Dionysius,  a  half-sad  smile  curv- 
ing his  thin  lips,  "  I  am  become  the  butt  of  mine  own 
sorry  wit.  I  pray  your  heed  while  I  tell  in  a  mere 
mouthful  of  words  the  tale  of  the  jest.  Pythias,  I 
have  ever  envied  you :  —  Your  youth,  your  strength, 
your  power  to  make  the  commons  love  you.  Aye, 
and  your  power  to  win  this  maid.  But  most  of  all 
I  envied  you  the  one  thing  which  I,  with  all  my  wiles 


3o4  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

and  all  my  force  have  never  been  able  to  win.  Can 
you  guess  what  that  is?  " 

"  Respect?  "  queried  Pythias,  at  a  venture. 

Dionysius  winced,  ever  so  little;  then  forced  back 
the  wry  smile  to  his  lips. 

"  Perhaps  Respect  were  worth  the  envying,"  he 
made  reply.  "  And  perhaps  I  have  it  not;  but  only 
its  twin  brother,  Fear.  Yet  it  was  not  of  Respect 
that  I  spoke ;  but  of  Friendship.  Yes,  of  that  friend- 
ship which  knitted  your  soul  to  Damon's  with  ropes 
of  steel ;  and  that  I  now  know  must  knit  it  so  until  the 
mortal  casket  is  forever  stilled." 

He  paused,  then  went  on : 

"  I  envied  such  wondrous  Friendship.  I  could 
inspire  fear,  flattery,  service,  and  even  a  cringing  rev- 
erence. But  even  as  I  greedily  filled  my  purse  with 
such  coins  as  those,  I  realized  they  were  of  base 
metal  and  that  friendship  alone  is  of  true  gold.  And 
Friendship  was  beyond  my  winning.  So,  like  the  fox 
in  the  fable  of  ^Esop  the  Slave,  I  feigned  to  scorn 
what  was  above  my  reach.  I  told  others  —  yea,  and 
I  told  myself  —  that  Friendship  was  but  an  empty 
name;  that  at  the  first  clash  with  Self-interest,  it 
would  crumble  to  nothingness.  Thus  did  Dionysius, 
your  King,  seek  to  console  himself  for  what  could 
never  be  his.  And  thus  did  he  seek  to  make  gratified 
ambition  take  its  place;  even  as  men  who  are  starv- 
ing chew  bits  of  wood  or  straw  in  place  of  food. 

"  Then,  this  day,  came  an  hour  when  I  felt  I  could 


FRIENDSHIP'S  ALTAR  305 

prove,  once  and  forever,  how  frail  a  thing  is  Friend- 
ship; and  that  henceforth  I  should  the  less  miss  its 
possession.  Therefore,  I  let  Damon  go  free  while 
you  stayed  in  his  place,  to  take  on  yourself  his  fate 
should  he  not  return.  I  was  full  sure  he  would  not 
come  back  to  meet  his  death.  For  I  knew  the  love 
of  wife  and  child  are  all-powerful.  Combined  with 
the  love  of  life,  I  believed  they  would  burst  Friend- 
ship's stoutest  bonds." 

"  You  believed  that  —  of  me? "  cried  Damon, 
"  and  yet  you  let  me  go?  " 

"  To  prove  the  worthlessness  of  Friendship  was  a 
far  dearer  wish  to  me  than  to  glut  my  vengeance  on  a 
foe.  So  I  freed  you ;  with  no  thought  that  I  should 
again  set  eyes  on  you.  But  not  even  yet  was  I  content. 
I  was  fain  to  prove  Friendship's  weakness  in  the 
case  of  Pythias  as  well.  Wherefore,  I  spread  before 
him  such  temptation  as  I  believed  no  mortal  could 
resist.  I  played  upon  every  emotion  a  true  man  may 
feel.  I  offered  him  freedom,  the  love  of  his  be- 
trothed, reunion  with  his  loved  father,  the  chance  to 
begin  life  afresh  in  other  lands.  He  refused  —  for 
Friendship's  sake.  I  told  him  you  were  slain  and 
that  his  sacrifice  was  futile.  Still,  in  Friendship's 
name,  he  would  not  yield.  I  sought  to  shake  his  re- 
solve by  pointing  out  dangers  that  awaited  Calanthe. 
In  all,  he  was  steadfast.  And  at  last  I  knew  that  at 
least  one-half  of  my  experiment  had  failed.  To  the 
very  foot  of  the  scaffold  I  tempted  him.  And  he 


306  DAMON  AND  PYTHIAS 

stood  firm.  Then,  even  as  I  took  comfort  in  the 
thought  that  you  at  least  had  proven  false,  you  re- 
turned. The  jest  is  at  my  expense.  You  do  well 
to  say  you  wish  to  laugh  at  me.  For  I  am  beaten. 
Yet  not  by  any  mortal ;  but  by  something  that  is  im- 
mortal ;  —  by  Friendship." 

"  And  now,"  broke  in  Damon,  "  now  that  you  have 
yourself  proven  how  weak  is  the  strongest  monarch, 
compared  with  Friendship's  power,  have  done  with 
speaking  of  that  which  you  can  never  hope  to  under- 
stand. And  turn  to  that  which  is  within  your  pow- 
ers. I  am  your  enemy.  I  sought  to  kill  you.  I  am 
here  upon  the  scaffold  to  pay  my  debt.  Glut  your 
revenge  to  the  full.  Bid  your  headsman  to  strike. 
I  am  ready." 

4  To  strike?"  echoed  Dionysius,  as  if  but  half- 
comprehending;  then :  "  When  the  high  gods  thwart 
our  puny  mortal  plans,  do  we  repay  them  by  laying 
impious  hands  upon  their  altars?  Nay,  we  dare  not; 
even  if  we  would.  And  to-day  I  am  face  to  face 
with  that  which  is  holier  and  higher  than  all  the  gods 
of  Olympus.  I  stand  before  the  altar  of  Friendship. 
And  I  dare  not  defile  so  sacred  a  shrine.  In  slaying 
you,  I  would  not  be  ridding  myself  of  a  foe.  I 
would  be  committing  sacrilege  upon  a  Deity." 

"  I  am  to  be  imprisoned,  then,  instead?  Far 
rather  would  I  die.  If  I  am  to  be  parted  from  those 
I  love,  let  it  be  by  death,  not  by  a  living  sepulchre  of 
stone." 


FRIENDSHIP'S  ALTAR  307 

"  I  spoke  not  of  prisons.  Friendship  cannot  be 
fettered.  Peace !  "  as  he  raised  his  hand  to  check 
Damon's  exclamation  of  wonder.  "  Peace  until  I 
have  issued  my  commands!  " 

To  the  Captain  he  continued: 

"  Send  forth  a  herald  to  proclaim  that  Damon  is 
pardoned !  The  '  tyrant '  Dionysius  gives  him  back 
his  life.  His  life  and  his  liberty.  Yet  not  to  him, 
but  to  Friendship !  To  that  which  all  my  power  can- 
not buy  me ;  nor  all  his  misfortunes  snatch  from  him. 
He  is  free!" 


THE   END 


STORIES   OF    RARE    CHARM    BY 

GENE  STRATTON-PORTER 

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THE  HARVESTER 


Illustrated  by  W.  L.  Jacobs 

"The  Harvester,"  David  Langston,  is 
a  man  of  the  woods  and  fields,  who  draws 
his  living  from  the  prodigal  hand  of  Mother 
Nature  herself.  It  the  book  had  nothing  in 
it  but  the  splendid  figure  of  this  man,  with 
his  sure  gnp  on  life,  his  superb  optimism, 
and  his  almost  miraculous  knowledge  of 
nature  secrets,  it  would  be  notable.  But 
when  the  Girl  comes  to  his  "Medicine 
Woods,"  and  the  Harvester's  whole  sound, 
healthy,  large  outdoor  being  realizes  that 
this  is  the  highest  point  of  life  which  has 
come  to  him  —  there  begins  a.  romance, 
troubled  and  interrupted,  yet  of  the  rarest  idyllic  quality. 

FRECKLES.       Decorations  by  E.  Stetson  Crawford 

Freckles  is  a  nameless  waif  when  the  tale  opens,  but  the  way  in 
which  he  takes  hold  of  life;  the  nature  friendships  he  forms  in  the 
great  Limberlost  Swamp;  the  manner  in  which  everyone  who  meets 
nim  succumbs  to  the  charm  of  his  engaging  personality;  and  his  love- 
story  with  "The  Angel"  are  full  of  real  sentiment. 

A  GIRL  OF  THE  LIMBERLOST. 
Illustrated  by  Wladyslaw  T.  Brenda. 


sheer  beauty  of  her  soul,  and  the  purity  of  her  vision,  she  wins  from 
barren  and  unpromising  surroundings  those  rewards  of  high  courage. 
It  is  an  inspiring  story  of  a  life  worth  while  and  the  rich  beauties 
of  the  out-of-doors  are  strewn  through  all  its  pages. 

AT  THE  FOOT  OF  THE  RAINBOW. 

Illustrations  in  colors  by  Oliver  Kemp.    Design  and  decorations  by 
Ralph  Fletcher  Seymour. 

The  scene  of  this  charming,  idyllic  love  story  is  laid  in  Central 
Indiana.  The  story  is  one  of  devoted  friendship,  and  tender  self- 
sacrificing  love;  the  friendship  that  gives  freely  without  return,  and 
the  love  that  seeks  first  the  happiness  of  the  object.  The  novel  is 
brimful  of  the  most  beautiful  word  painting  of  nature,  and  its  pathos 
and  tender  sentiment  win  endear  it  to  all. 

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JOHN  FOX;JR'S. 

STORIES  OF  THE  KENTUCKY  MOUNTAINS 

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THE  TRAIL   OF  THE    LONESOME  PINE.  / 
Illustrated  by  F.  C.  Yohn. 

>  The  "lonesome  pine"  from  which  the 
story  takes  its  name  was  a  tall  tree  that 
stood  in  solitary  splendor  on  a  mountain 
top.  The  fame  of  the  pine  lured  a  young 
engineer  through  Kentucky  to  catch  the 
trail,  and  when  he  finally  climbed  to  its 
shelter  he  found  not  only  the  pine  but  the 
foot-prints  of  a  girl.  And  the  girl  proved 


engineer  a  madder  chase 
of  the  lonesome  pine." 

THE  LITTLE  SHEPHERD  OF  KINGDOM  COME 
Illustrated  by  F.  C.  Yohn. 

This  is  a  story  of  Kentucky,  in  a  settlement  known  as  "King- 
dom Come."  It  is  a  life  rude,  semi-barbarous;  but  natural 
and  honest,  from  which  often  springs  the  flower  of  civilization. 

"  Chad."  the  "little  shepherd"  did  not  know  who  he  was  nor 
whence  he  came — he  had  just  wandered  from  door  to  door  since 
early  childhood,  seeking  shelter  with  kindly  mountaineers  who 
gladly  fathered  and  mothered  this  waif  about  whom  there  was 
such  a  mystery— a  charming  waif,  by  the  way,  who  could  play 
the  banjo  better  that  anyone  else  in  the  mountains. 

A  KNIGHT  OF  THE    CUMBERLAND./ 
Illustrated   by  F.  C.  Yohn. 

The  scenes  are  laid  along  the  waters  of  the  Cumberland* 
the  lair  of  moonshiner  and  f  eudsman.  The  knight  is  a  moon- 
shiner's son,  and  the  heroine  a  beautiful  girl  perversely  chris- 
tened "The  Blight."  Two  impetuous  young  Southerners'  fall 
under  the  spell  of  "The  Blight's  "  charms  and  she  learns  what 
a  large  part  jealousy  and  pistols  have  in  the  love  making  of  the 
mountaineers. 

Included  in  this  volume  is  "  Hell  fer-Sartain"  and  other 
stories,  some  of  Mr.  Fox's  most  entertaining  Cumberland  valley 
narratives. 

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MYRTLE    REED'S  NOVELS 

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LAVENDER  AND  OLD  LACE. 

A  charming  story  of  a  quaint  corner  of 
New  England  where  bygone  romance  finds  a 
modem  parallel.  The  story  centers  round 
the  coming  of  love  to  the  young  people  on 
the  staff  of  a  newspaper— and  it  is  one  of  the 
prettiest,  sweetest  and  quaintest  of  old  fash- 
ioned love  stories,  *  *  *  a  rare  book,  ex- 
quisite in  spirit  and  conception,  full  of 
delicate  fancy,  of  tenderness,  of  delightful 
humor  and  spontaniety. 


A  SPINNER  IN  THE  SUN. 

Miss  Myrtle  Reed  may  always  be  depended  upon  to  write  a  story 
in  which  poetry,  charm,  tenderness  and  humor  are  combined  into  a 
:lever  and  entertaining  book.  Her  characters  are  delightful  and  she 
always  displays  a  quaint  humor  of  expression  and  a  quiet  feeling  of 
pathos  which  give  a  touch  of  active  realism  to  all  her  writings.  In 
"A  Spinner  in  the  Sun"  she  tells  an  old-fashioned  love  story,  of  a 
veiled  lady  who  lives  in  solitude  and  whose  features  her  neighbors 
have  never  seen.  There  is  a  mystery  at  the  heart  of  the  book  that 
throws  over  it  the  glamour  of  romance. 

THE    MASTER'S    VIOLIN, 

A  love  story  in  a  musical  atmosphere.  A  picturesque,  old  Ger- 
man virtuoso  is  the  reverent  possessor  of  a  genuine  "Cremona."  He 
consents  to  take  for  his  pupil  a  handsome  youth  who  proves  to  have 
an  aptitude  for  technique,  but  not  the  soul  of  an  artist  The  youth 
has  led  the  happy,  careless  life  of  a  modern,  well-to-do  young  Amer* 
lean  and  he  cannot,  with  his  meagre  past,  express  the  love,  the  passion 
and  the  tragedies  of  life  and  all  its  happy  phases  as  can  the  master 
who  has  lived  life  in  all  its  fulness.  But  a  girl  comes  into  his  life — a 
beautiful  bit  of  human  driftwood  that  his  aunt  had  taken  into  her 
heart  and  home,  and  through  his  passionate  love  for  her,  he  learns 
the  lessons  that  life  has  to  give— and  his  soul  awakes. 

Founded  on  a  fact  that  all  artists  realize. 

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GROSSET&  DUN  LAP'S 

DRAMATIZED    NOVELS 

THE   KIND   THAT   ARE   MAKING   THEATRICAL    HISTORY 
May  be  had  wherever  books  art  sold.        Ask  for  Gresset  &  Dunlap's  Oat 

WITHIN  THE  LAW.     By  Bayard  Veiller  &  Marvin  Dana. 
Illustrated  by  Wm.  Charles  Cooke. 

This  is  a  novellzation  of  the  immensely  successful  play  which  ran 
for  two  years  in  New  York  and  Chicago. 

The  plot  of  this  powerful  novel  is  of  a  young  woman's  revenge 
directed  against  her  employer  who  allowed  her  to  be  sent  to  prison 
for  three  years  on  a  charge  of  theft,  of  which  she  was  innocent. 

WHAT  HAPPENED  TO  MARY.     By  Robert  Carlton  Brown. 
Illustrated  with  scenes  from  the  play. 

This  is  a  narrative  of  a  young  and  innocent  country  girl  who  is 
suddenly  thrown  into  the  very  heart  of  New  York,  "the  land  of  her 
dreams,  where  she  is  exposed  to  all  sorts  of  temptations  and  dangers. 

The  story  of  Mary  is  being  told  in  moving  pictures  and  played  in 
theatres  all  over  the  world. 

THE  RETURN  OF  PETER  GRIMM.      By  David  Belasco. 
Illustrated  by  John  Rae, 

This  is  a  novelization  of  the  popular  play  in  which  David  War, 
field,  as  Old  Peter  Grimm,  scored  such  a  remarkable  success. 

The  story  is  spectacular   and  extremely  pathetic  but  withal, 
powerful,  both  as  a  book  and  as  a  play. 
THE  GARDEN  OF  ALLAH.    By  Robert  Hichens.; 

This  novel  is  an  intense,  glowing  epic  of  the  great  desert,  sunlit 
barbaric,  with  its  marvelous  atmosphere  of  Yastness  and  loneliness, 

It  is  a  book  of  rapturous  beauty,  vivid  in  word  painting.    The  play 
has  been  staged  with  r  -vgnificent  cast  and  gorgeous  properties. 
BEN    HUR.    A  Tale  of  the  Christ.    By  General  Lew  Wallace. 

The  whole  world  has  placed  this  famous  Religious-Historical  Ro- 
mance on  a  height  of  pre-eminence  which  no  other  novel  of  its  time 
has  reached.  1  he  clashing  of  rivalry  and  the  deepest  human  passions, 
the  perfect  reproduction  of  brilliant  Roman  life,  and  the  tense,  fierce 
atmosphere  of  the  arena  have  kept  their  deep  fascination.  A  tre- 
mendous dramatic  success. 

BOUGHT  AftD  PAID  FOR.     By  George  Broadhurst  and  Arthur 
Hornblow.          Illustrated  with  scenes  from  the  play. 

A  stupendous  arraignment  of  modern  marriage  which  has  created 
an  interest  on  the  stage  that  is  almost  unparalleled.  The  scenes  are  laid 
in  New  York,  and  deal  with  conditions  among  both  the  rich  and  poor. 

The  interest  of  the  story  turns  on  the  day-by-day  developments 
which  show  the  young  wife  the  price  she  has  paid.  _ 

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YB  39975 


912964 


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